Liverpool and Arsenal head into their latest Premier League meeting at Anfield with fresh attention on Manchester City’s financial case and its potential impact on the title race.
The clubs meet for the first time since their goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium in early January, but the wider Premier League conversation has changed significantly.
In September, Manchester City were found guilty of almost all the Premier League charges relating to alleged financial regulation breaches between 2009 and 2018, including the most serious allegations. City have appealed the decision, and any eventual sanctions remain uncertain.
The ruling has renewed debate about how City's success affected rival clubs, particularly Liverpool, who repeatedly challenged Pep Guardiola's side for the title, and Arsenal, who lost several influential players to the Manchester club during that period.
In a discussion ahead of Sunday's Anfield fixture, The Athletic writers Gregg Evans, covering Liverpool, and Art de Roche, covering Arsenal, examined the reaction among supporters and the potential consequences for both clubs.
Liverpool Fans Consider What Might Have Been
Liverpool supporters reacted with shock and disappointment to the ruling, according to Evans. City's dominance during the period had repeatedly left Liverpool narrowly short of major honours.
The debate has brought back memories of the 2013-14 title race, when Liverpool finished one point behind City. It has also revived questions about how many more trophies Jurgen Klopp might have won had City not been such a formidable rival.
For some supporters, City's recent visit to Anfield also felt different in light of the judgment, with questions about the legitimacy of the competition during the years covered by the case.
Arsenal supporters had a different but related reaction. De Roche said the ruling prompted renewed reflection on how City recruited several of Arsenal's leading players during Arsene Wenger's time in charge.
While Arsenal were not consistently competing with City for the title in the same way Liverpool were under Klopp, the departures of key players influenced the club's development. The latest developments have led some supporters to reconsider what Wenger might have achieved had those players remained in north London.
Potential City Sanctions Are Not Driving This Season
The possibility of a points deduction or other punishment for City has naturally attracted attention, but neither Liverpool nor Arsenal can afford to build their season around an outcome that has yet to be decided.
Liverpool's players and coaching staff have not publicly discussed the ruling in detail. Evans suggested that the club will be aware of how potential sanctions could affect the league table, but its immediate priority remains improving its own performances.
Head coach Andoni Iraola is still working to establish his methods during a transitional period, with Liverpool aiming to close the gap on their rivals as the season develops.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has also made clear that his team's motivation must come from within rather than from any punishment City might receive.
De Roche said that approach is important because relying on possible points deductions could create complacency. Arsenal must continue collecting results regardless of what happens in the financial case.
The Gunners recently recovered from a shock cup defeat to League Two side Fleetwood Town with a 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton.
New Leadership Shapes Liverpool's Transition
For Liverpool, the most significant change since last season has been the arrival of Iraola following Arne Slot's departure in the summer.
Evans said the players have needed time to understand the new manager's approach, but there are signs that the team is becoming more organised and that individuals are gaining a clearer understanding of their responsibilities.
The club has also experienced a major change in its leadership group. Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate all departed at the end of last season, leaving significant experience and influence to replace.
Liverpool's new arrivals are still adapting, and Evans believes the team could improve as the squad becomes more settled in the second half of the campaign.
Arsenal Showing More Fluidity in Possession
Arsenal have also made tactical progress, particularly in their build-up play.
De Roche believes the Gunners have looked more fluid in possession at times this season, helped by having more midfield options. However, many of their strongest performances have come at home.
Their away displays in the Premier League have yet to reach the same level, making the trip to Anfield an important test.
A strong performance on Sunday would be significant, especially after Arsenal struggled to impose themselves during last season's meeting at the stadium.
Odegaard and Isak Among the Players to Watch
Evans identified Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard as Liverpool's biggest threat. The Norwegian midfielder's ability to control the tempo and create attacking opportunities makes him central to Arsenal's performance.
De Roche, meanwhile, highlighted Liverpool's attacking options Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola.
Isak previously caused Arsenal problems while playing for Newcastle United, using his movement and finishing ability to find opportunities against their defence. De Roche believes his growing confidence, alongside Barcola, could make Liverpool particularly dangerous.
Barcola's versatility allows him to operate on either wing. His pace could be especially important if Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori or Myles Lewis-Skelly move into midfield and leave space behind them.
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Match Predictions
The two writers offered different predictions for Sunday's contest.
Evans backed Liverpool to win 2-1, believing Iraola's side are beginning to find momentum and can pass their toughest test so far.
De Roche predicted a 1-1 draw, pointing to Arsenal's record at Anfield. The Gunners have not won there since 2012, and he expects another closely contested encounter.
With both clubs navigating changes on and off the pitch, Sunday's meeting offers an important opportunity to measure their progress while the debate surrounding Manchester City's financial case continues.
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