Arsenal find themselves in the mix for Premier League glory once again this term, alongside Liverpool and Manchester City, and have bounced back from their rocky festive period by going unbeaten in 2024. The Gunners have scored at least three goals in each of their previous three outings, one of which was their vital 3-1 victory over the Reds at the Emirates a fortnight ago, and were 5-0 winners in their away clash with Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
Unconvinced the north London club have what it takes to push City and Liverpool all the way, however, Barnes told Premier League Productions: "City are the favourites, I make Liverpool the second favourites. Arsenal were in a better position last year, but I’ve said since the Premier League started: March, April is when you really start to look at who the runners and riders are, because you have teams like Aston Villa and Tottenham who [looked like contenders] six weeks ago.
"When you’re coming into the end of February and March, it’s all about can you just get a result, and Man City are all-conquering, all dominant in that respect. Liverpool for me are the closest challengers because there are certain games where Liverpool haven’t played well but have got a result.
"Arsenal have to play well to win and if they don’t play well they may not win, and that is why as much as they’re doing well now. I still think it’s between Man City and Liverpool.
"Liverpool winning today is going to put the pressure on. Man City will handle that pressure. City won’t get nervous that Liverpool are getting away from them because they are such an incredible team. Liverpool playing first will affect Arsenal but not Man City."
In the end, it was Manchester City who slipped up in the title race this weekend. Pep Guardiola's men were held to an unlikely 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea and were forced to come from behind after Raheem Sterling's opener. Liverpool lead Arsenal by two points at present and are four clear of City, who still have a game in hand.
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