Tim Sherwood, the former Tottenham manager, has warned that three teams could throw a wrench into Mikel Arteta’s plans to clinch the Premier League crown.
Arsenal currently trails league leaders Liverpool by eight points in the standings, though the Gunners have a game in hand to potentially close the gap.
To lift the title this term, Arteta’s men will need a near-flawless form from now until May. Their next test comes against West Ham on Saturday, while Liverpool face a tricky trip to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium on Sunday—a clash where the Reds could stumble.
The two title contenders are also set to lock horns at Anfield in May, a fixture that could prove decisive if Arsenal keep pace with Arne Slot’s side.
However, Sherwood believes Liverpool holds the edge in the fixture list ahead. Speaking on Premier League Productions, he said: “Liverpool have four home games in their next six, and Anfield is a fortress. I’d rather have that run.
“Arsenal have three home and three away. Two of those away trips are to Nottingham Forest and Manchester United. United have been a pushover for some teams lately, but they often step up against the big sides—don’t forget they knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup.”
Sherwood argued that Liverpool’s upcoming matches look kinder than Arsenal’s, even with the Reds facing Manchester City this weekend. He pointed to the Gunners’ challenging slate, which includes London derbies against West Ham, Chelsea, and Fulham before the season’s end.
Echoing pundit Danny Murphy’s take, Sherwood added: “I agree with Danny—Arsenal’s fixtures look tougher. Their home games are derbies, and we know how intense those can get. Even if it’s not your fiercest rival, teams bring big crowds and extra fight.”
He continued: “Chelsea at home, for instance—they can hurt anyone when they click. They’re struggling right now, but they’ve got the quality to beat the best. Then there’s West Ham and Fulham. When I played, facing a team chasing the title always had an extra edge.
“You wanted to be the spoiler. Sometimes, ruining someone’s season was all you had left to play for. Those three will relish the chance to stop Arsenal.”
Recent updates from Arsenal’s official X account confirm their focus remains sharp, with Arteta praising the squad’s resilience ahead of the West Ham clash. “We’re ready to fight for every point,” he said in a post on February 20, 2025.
Meanwhile, Sherwood’s words serve as a reminder: the Gunners’ path to glory won’t be a stroll—rival teams are gearing up to play the villains in their title tale.
