*** Liverpool Close In On Title as Leicester Go Down | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Liverpool Close In On Title as Leicester Go Down

TDT | Manama

Email: hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Liverpool moved to within one victory of a record-equalling 20th English league title with a tense 1-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold struck in the 76th minute to restore the Reds’ 13-point lead at the top, with just five games remaining.

The title is now within reach for Arne Slot’s side, who could be crowned champions as early as Wednesday if Arsenal lose at home to Crystal Palace.

“We just keep going, mentally we're really strong,” said Slot. “Today, Trent knew exactly when to step up. That’s what the very best players do.”

Relegation Confirmed for Leicester

While Liverpool celebrated, it was despair for Leicester City. The defeat sealed their relegation from the Premier League — a record 13th demotion from the top flight. Just one season after bouncing back to the big time, the Midlands club return to the Championship with little resistance shown in their final fight.

Salah Misfires, but Reds Find a Way

Liverpool had chances to wrap the game up early but were wasteful in front of goal. Mohamed Salah struck both posts with an early shot and clipped the woodwork again before Alexander-Arnold’s decisive goal. The England defender powered a left-footed strike through a crowded box and celebrated wildly with the away support.

If Arsenal avoid defeat to Palace midweek, Liverpool can clinch the title at Anfield next Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal Stay Alive  

Arsenal refused to throw in the towel, keeping their faint title hopes alive with a ruthless 4-0 win at Ipswich Town. Goals from Leandro Trossard (2), Gabriel Martinelli, and Ethan Nwaneri made light work of 10-man Ipswich, who had Leif Davis sent off before half-time for a reckless stamp on Bukayo Saka.

Now five points adrift of safety with five matches to play, Ipswich look destined to join Leicester in the Championship unless they can pull off a miraculous turnaround.

Chelsea Snatch Late Winner 

Elsewhere, Chelsea moved into fifth place — the final Champions League spot — with a dramatic 2-1 comeback at Fulham. After falling behind to an Alex Iwobi opener, the Blues hit back late through substitute Tyrique George and a stoppage-time screamer from Pedro Neto to complete the turnaround.

Chelsea now sit on 57 points from 33 games, two behind third-placed Newcastle and one behind Manchester City. Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are level with Chelsea, with Forest due to face Tottenham on Monday.

Wolves Secure Safety, United's Miseries Deepen

At Old Trafford, Wolverhampton Wanderers ensured Premier League safety with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United — their fifth straight league win. Pablo Sarabia’s sublime free kick was enough to sink United, who now sit 14th and have suffered eight home defeats this season — their worst Old Trafford return since 1962-63.

“It’s simple — we had the chances, didn’t score, and paid the price,” said under-pressure United boss Ruben Amorim.

Premier League top of the table:

  1. Liverpool – 79 pts

  2. Arsenal – 66 pts

  3. Newcastle – 59 pts

  4. Man City – 58 pts

  5. Chelsea – 57 pts

  6. Nottingham Forest – 57 pts (one game in hand)

Bottom three:
18. Ipswich – 21 pts
19. Leicester – RELEGATED
20. Sheffield United – 16 pts