3 things you need to know about Sunday's Premier League action
Remember when Arsenal were sitting atop the Premier League table?
Neither do we.
Injuries to arguably their three most vital players, a brutal schedule and a string of indifferent and lifeless performances have not only dropped Arsene Wenger's side out of the title race, but have put them in serious danger of missing out on a Champions League berth.
What seemed inconceivable just a month ago took another big step towards becoming reality on Sunday, as Arsenal were brushed aside by Everton, who continue to play scintillating football and surge up the standings.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are very much in the title race, and ensured that they still control their own fate heading into next week's monumental tilt with Manchester City, which could very well determine who claims the title come season's end.
Here are three things you need to know about Sunday's Premier League action...
Everton cruise past Arsenal to close gap in Champions League race
On their good days, Arsenal are capable of playing a brand of football that is rivaled by few others, dazzling fans with their intelligent, quick passing that has cut many a team to shreds.
Unfortunately for Arsene Wenger and Co., the top teams in the EPL cannot be counted among them, as Arsenal were thoroughly beaten once again by a club in the top five of the table, this time falling 3-0 to Everton.
The Gunners' struggles against the upper-echelon of the EPL have been well-documented, but the figures are staggering considering this was a club that was being talked about for much of the season as a legitimate title contender.
Of the 40 goals conceded by the team this year, exactly half of them have come in the four away matches against their direct rivals.
- December 14 vs. Manchester City: 6-3
- February 8 vs. Liverpool: 5-1
- March 22 vs. Chelsea: 6-0
- April 6 vs. Everton: 3-0
Of more importance, however, is the fact that the result throws Arsenal's qualification for next season's Champions League into serious contention, as they now sit just one point ahead of the Toffees.
Everton also have a game in-hand.
Here's a look at the remaining matches for the respective clubs:
| Arsenal | Everton |
|---|---|
| West Ham (H) | Sunderland (A) |
| Hull City (A) | Crystal Palace (H) |
| Newcastle (H) | Manchester United (H) |
| West Brom (H) | Southampton (A) |
| Norwich (A) | Manchester City (H) |
| Hull City (A) |
The Toffees, who have won five consecutive matches - their longest streak since six straight wins back in 2002 - certainly have the advantage as far as form is concerned.
But with a significantly more difficult schedule, Everton may ultimately fall just short of booking a place in Europe's elite competition.
Two Gerrard penalties help Liverpool regain top spot
There are only five matches remaining on the schedule, and Liverpool are two points clear at the top of the standings.
Read that again. It's a line that would have incited widespread ridicule had it been a pre-season prediction. It's also 100 percent accurate.
Two penalties from captain Steven Gerrard, one on each side of the halftime interval, allowed Brendan Rodgers' men to leave Upton Park with a 2-1 victory, putting them back at the summit of the table ahead of Chelsea.
Gerrard continues to be better than most from the penalty spot, as the Liverpool skipper has converted ten of 11 opportunities on the season - the fact that the second spot-kick on the day was a pretty horrendous call from referee Anthony Taylor (a common theme) can be overlooked for now.
The two goals also pushed Liverpool to 90 (!) on the season, a mark that does hold some historical significance.
90 - Liverpool are only the fourth team to ever score 90+ goals in a PL season (+ Chelsea 09-10, Man Utd 99-00 & Man City 11-12). Spree.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 6, 2014
All three of those teams would go on to win the Premier League.
Just saying.
Building towards the big one
Whatever your plans are for next Saturday night, cancel them.
You'll need plenty of sleep to wake up at 8:37 a.m. EST next Sunday, when Liverpool will welcome Manchester City to Anfield for a match that is sure to captivate the football world.
(You can also stay up through the night, if you are so inclined. Either method works perfectly fine).
Both teams control their own fate in the race for the league crown, as City can make up the four-point gap by virtue of having two games in-hand.
A win for Liverpool, however, and the Reds can really start to believe.
Get your popcorn morning coffee ready.
Click here to see all of the stats from today's Premier League action.