Liverpool one point away from winning Premier League title after Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace

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Liverpool is close to Premier League title victory after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. Mateta’s late goal denied Arsenal, leaving Liverpool with a 12-point lead and a superior goal difference. Liverpool can secure the title by avoiding defeat against Tottenham. Arsenal’s focus shifts to their Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain after the draw.

Liverpool moved closer to claiming their 20th Premier League title after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, maintaining their 12-point lead at the top with just four games remaining for Arsenal and five for Liverpool.

Arsenal’s hopes of catching Liverpool were further diminished as they dropped points for the third time in four league games, despite taking the lead twice through Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard.

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Crystal Palace responded with equalizers from Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta, leaving Liverpool needing just a point against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday to secure the title.

Liverpool’s potential triumph would match Manchester United’s record of 20 English top-flight titles, marking their first Premier League success since 2020 under new manager Arne Slot.

Arsenal’s focus appears to be shifting towards their upcoming Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, their first appearance in the competition’s last four since 2009.

Manager Mikel Arteta made several changes to his lineup, with Bukayo Saka starting on the bench following an injury concern from the weekend’s match against Ipswich, while Mikel Merino and Ben White were unavailable.

Palace, preparing for their FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on Saturday, began without strikers Mateta and Ismaila Sarr in their starting lineup.

Arsenal took an early lead in the third minute through Kiwior’s header from Martin Odegaard’s free-kick, showcasing their set-piece prowess for the 16th time this season.

Palace threatened immediately after through Daniel Munoz, whose volley was saved by David Raya.

The visitors equalized in the 27th minute when Adam Wharton found Eze unmarked, who volleyed in off the post.

Trossard restored Arsenal’s lead before halftime, skillfully evading two defenders before scoring with a deflected finish.

The second half saw both teams create opportunities, with Henderson making a crucial save from Saka’s volley.

Palace’s persistence paid off when Mateta capitalized on William Saliba’s error to chip the ball over Raya from 30 yards, securing a point for his team and effectively ending Arsenal’s title hopes.

Arsenal’s goal difference of +34 compared to Liverpool’s +44 makes their task even more difficult with the limited games remaining.

Arsenal had previously delayed Liverpool’s celebrations by defeating Ipswich 4-0 on Sunday, when a different result could have handed Liverpool the title.

The draw maintains Palace’s solid form under Oliver Glasner as they prepare for their important FA Cup fixture at Wembley.

Both teams showed their attacking capabilities throughout the match, with Arsenal’s set-piece expertise and Palace’s resilient performance highlighting an entertaining encounter.

The result leaves Liverpool in a commanding position to secure the title this weekend, while Arsenal must now balance their remaining league commitments with their Champions League aspirations.

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