Manchester City and Arsenal played out a disappointing goalless draw in Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
The Gunners’ game plan was to contain City’s attacking threat and while they succeeded in their attempt, the visitors’ own scoring chances were very limited.
Neither side are likely to be very happy with the result that handed Liverpool the advantage in the title race, with the Reds now two points clear at the summit following their 2-1 success over Brighton & Hove Albion.
All three teams will be desperate to win their remaining matches of the season but face some very challenging fixtures during the run-in.
One opponent which all three must play is Aston Villa, who have been massively over performing since Unai Emery’s appointment in 2022.
The Midlands outfit headed to the international break on the back of disappointing league results against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
But they returned to winning ways on Saturday against Wolverhampton Wanderers, courtesy of goals from Moussa Diaby and Ezri Konsa in each half.
Aston Villa are very dangerous opponents and any of the three title contenders are unlikely to take them very lightly.
Of the current top three sides in the English top-flight, only Liverpool have beaten them this campaign, and that came way back in September.
The Lions then cruised to a 1-0 victory over defending champions Manchester City in their last meeting at Villa Park in December.
They followed that up with another 1-0 home success against Arsenal, sparking hopes of an unlikely title challenge.
And while their subsequent displays have greatly weakened their title credentials, Unai Emery’s side are still capable of beating any team in the Premier League.
The Reds, City and Arsenal will all be very wary of the Villa team who look to have a big say in the title destination.
