Liverpool handed Premier League title advantage as rivals dealt frustrating blow

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It also put them six points ahead of Arsenal in second place, who faced Manchester City in north London on Sunday afternoon.

Despite this, they still lag behind Liverpool by five points at this early stage of the season.

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Arne Slot's team have not been at their brilliant best, relying on late goals to secure victories in their first four league matches and their Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid.

In contrast, Arsenal have already dropped points twice this season, even if they did manage to avoid a second loss at the last moment against City.

Pep Guardiola's side currently sit in ninth place in the Premier League table, trailing Liverpool by eight points after winning two and losing two of their first five matches.

Liverpool have improved on last season's corresponding fixtures by four points, securing victories at home to Arsenal and away at Newcastle, where they could only manage draws last term.

In contrast, Arsenal are four points worse off, having suffered a loss at Liverpool and a draw at home with City, compared to a draw at Anfield and a 5-1 triumph at the Emirates Stadium last season.

Arsenal's late goal against Manchester City ensured the points were shared (Image: GETTY)

Despite a mixed start, City have also gained an extra four points, having lost to Arsenal away and Manchester United at home last season.

To put things into perspective, Liverpool clinched the title last year with a 10-point lead over Arsenal and finished 13 points ahead of third-placed City.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal only tasted defeat four times, while Guardiola's men endured nine losses.

At this stage last season, Liverpool were second in the league, having won four and lost one of their games.

They trailed City by a single point after the then-defending champions salvaged a 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal thanks to a late equaliser from John Stones.

Once again, City and Arsenal have clashed in an early-season six-pointer but had to settle for a point each, with the home team relying on a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a draw.

A year ago, Liverpool fans would have had mixed feelings about the result at the Emirates Stadium, keeping an eye on their title rivals and considering which outcome would be less damaging.

Read more: Liverpool can sign three players after Marc Guehi performs transfer U-turn

However, now, despite it being early in the title race, they find themselves cautiously watching as their nearest competitors already start to fall behind.

This is a familiar sensation for Liverpool, one that they arguably experienced for most of last season after securing the top spot from November onwards.

The title race is still in its infancy with plenty of football yet to be played, and those at Anfield are not taking anything for granted.

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