Tarkowski’s 98th-minute equaliser stuns Liverpool and opens title race | OneFootball

Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table remains intact, but their grip on the title race has loosened.

A 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park, sealed by James Tarkowski’s dramatic 98th-minute equaliser, has handed Arsenal a glimmer of hope in a season that was starting to look like a procession.

A nine-point gap would have been a statement, but a seven-point lead, with 14 games left, keeps the door slightly ajar for Mikel Arteta’s side.

History suggests Liverpool are still in control. The biggest deficit overturned after 24 games in the Premier League era is five points. But hope is a dangerous thing in a title race.

Liverpool’s run-in is far from straightforward. They still have to visit Manchester City, Aston Villa and Chelsea, while Arsenal’s toughest remaining fixtures include trips to Manchester United and Liverpool.

The Gunners’ schedule appears slightly kinder on paper, but injuries could derail their pursuit. Top scorer Kai Havertz is facing a spell on the sidelines, joining an already lengthy list of absentees.

The Opta supercomputer gives Liverpool an 88.3 percent chance of lifting the trophy. That number might comfort their supporters, but football is not played on probability models.

The Reds’ relentless schedule includes a League Cup final and Champions League knockout ties, and fatigue could creep in as the season drags on.

Everton’s late equaliser was a psychological blow for Liverpool, who were minutes away from putting real distance between themselves and the chasing pack.

Man City’s dominance in recent years has set an unforgiving standard. Pep Guardiola’s side have perfected the art of the late-season surge, and Liverpool know from bitter experience how fine the margins can be.

Their last two title-winning campaigns have been built on near-flawless second halves of the season. Anything less this time, and Arsenal could pounce.

Arne Slot’s men still hold the advantage, but this was a night that showed how quickly things can change.