Premier League: Latest in the race for the Champions League as Forest go to Spurs

Summary

Premier League latest as Nottingham Forest go to Tottenham in Monday's fixture (20:00 BST)
Forest are looking to move back into the Champions League qualification positions after moving down to sixth over the weekend
Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, Man City & Chelsea make up the current top-five but Forest will go back to third with a win at Tottenham
Five sides are separated by just two points
Alan Shearer column: 'It is going to be an incredible fight to the finish.'
Get Involved: WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
ICYMI: Liverpool close in on title which could happen on Wednesday or Sunday | Alexander-Arnold's wild celebration and future under scrutiny | Where did it all go wrong for Leicester?

Live Reporting

Craig Nelson, Adwaidh Rajan, Emma Smith & Tyrese King. Edited by Murray Burnell.

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Get Involvedpublished at 09:19 British Summer Time
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Likely to be a lot of noise about the mediocrity of the PL, but that is an insult to Newcastle, Villa, Forest, Bournemouth Fulham and Brighton, who have shown they can compete with so called big six for a whole season. When everyone can beat everyone, that's not mediocrity, it's competitive. Maybe the reason Liverpool have not stormed to the title but had to fight every game is because the other teams are actually pretty good? Would love to see Forest, Villa and Newcastle all qualify for Champions League. It's what they deserve, and keep in mind two of these are in the FA Cup semi and other won the Carabao Cup. Mediocre? Or a closing of the gap? Ps: Five teams in European quarter-finals and four making it to semi-finals is hardly a definition of mediocrity either.
Andy
Alexander-Arnold the difference against Foxespublished at 09:16 British Summer Time
Leicester 0-1 Liverpool
Image source, BBC Sport
Liverpool were made to sweat for their victory at strugglers Leicester City.
They had failed to break down a Leicester side before Trent Alexander-Arnold came off the bench to score the all-important goal that condemned the Foxes to relegation and moved the Reds only a win away from the Premier League title.
Arne Slot's side exited the Champions League and lost the EFL Cup final to Newcastle United last month while also suffering a league defeat at Fulham at the start of this month.
They were once again far from convincing on Sunday, with the game screaming for a clinical finisher, with only one of the Reds' 28 attempts finding the back of the net.
But Liverpool fans will not mind as they could be crowned champions even before kicking a ball, if Arsenal lose to Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
'Iconic moment in a special Liverpool career - but was it a farewell?'published at 09:08 British Summer Time
Leicester 0-1 Liverpool
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer
The sight of Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrating bare chested with arms outstretched, his red shirt hoisted on a corner flag at King Power Stadium, will become an iconic image of Liverpool's march to the Premier League title.
Amid the wild elation that followed his late winner at relegated Leicester City, it left Liverpool's big questions still hanging in the air.
Will Alexander-Arnold leave his home city club behind in pursuit of new glory with Real Madrid in Spain? Or could the outpouring of love between Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool's fans be a lifeline for those hoping the player they call "the Scouser in our team" may yet stay?
Questions only Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool and Real Madrid will know the answers to. But for now, the celebrating of another special moment in his special Liverpool career will be enough for Reds fans.
Image source, Getty Images
Just joining? Here's what we're discussingpublished at 09:03 British Summer Time
- Liverpool's 1-0 win over Leicester means they can now win the title on Wednesday (if Arsenal lose to Palace) or - if Arsenal win or draw in midweek - they can do it themselves, at home, against Spurs on Sunday
- You've been sending your views about Liverpool closing in on the title - 'Let the Kop erupt', says Kenny
- And you're joining us as we discuss Trent Alexander-Arnold, that celebration and his future at Liverpool
A little later, we'll be dissecting Leicester's season and just where it went wrong after defeat at home to Liverpool on Sunday consigned them to relegation back to the Championship.
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Get Involvedpublished at 08:52 British Summer Time
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We will certainly be coming to this point James and would love to know what other readers think.
What reinforcements do you believe Liverpool need in the summer to build on this season's successes?
Get in touch via X, WhatsApp or text using the contact details above.
Cheers.
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Get Involvedpublished at 08:50 British Summer Time
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To win the title would be absolutely incredible, but to be prepared for next season when all the usual suspects will have rebuilt and will come back much stronger will be just as important. I hope and trust we will do the same.
James
Postpublished at 08:45 British Summer Time
Interestingly enough, Manchester United have also finished runners-up 17 times in the top flight, two more than Liverpool, who have finished second on 15 occasions.
Liverpool set to match Man Utd's record of 20 titlespublished at 08:43 British Summer Time
Manchester United are the most successful club in English football, in terms of top-flight league titles won.
The Red Devils have won 20 league titles in their history - the most recent triumph coming in the 2012-13 season in Sir Alex Ferguson's last campaign as manager.
Liverpool are currently on 19 league titles, meaning if they clinch the title this season they would match United's tally.
The Reds held the record with 18 titles before Manchester United went on an unprecedented run of winning 13 titles in 21 seasons under Sir Alex up to 2013, which pulled them ahead.
Liverpool ended a 30-year wait by winning their 19th title in 2020 and now look set to draw level with United on 20.
Most top-flight league titles in English football:
- Manchester United - 20
- Liverpool - 19
- Arsenal - 13
- Manchester City - 10
- Everton - 9
- Aston Villa - 7
- Chelsea - 6
- Sunderland - 6
Image source, Getty Images
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Get Involvedpublished at 08:35 British Summer Time
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A 38-game season is the truest measure of any team. And this Liverpool side has responded to every test during the season. Their commanding lead deserves nothing but respect and admiration. Don't give me this 'it's a poor Premier League' malarkey.
Phil, Liverpool
Not the greatest performance yesterday against Leicester, but plenty of teams have previously won titles by grinding out 1-0 wins. The only thing that matters is Liverpool will be Premier League champions 2024-25.
Chris, Chester
Liverpool set to win one of most one-sided titles?published at 08:30 British Summer Time
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool have a 13-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal with five games left.
The Reds could yet finish with one of the biggest winning margins in the Premier League era, if they can keep this run going and the Gunners, who also have Champions League commitments, slip up.
Manchester City won the 2017-18 Premier League with a record 19-point gap to rivals Manchester United.
United were champions in 2000 with an 18-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, while Liverpool also had the same distance to their nearest challengers during the 2019-20 season.
Biggest title-winning margins in Premier League era:
- Manchester City in 2017-18 - 19 points
- Manchester United in 1999-00 - 18 points
- Liverpool in 2019-20 - 18 points
- Chelsea in 2004-05 - 12 points
- Manchester City in 2020-21 - 12 points
- Arsenal in 2003-04 - 11 points
- Manchester United in 2012-13 - 11 points
Reds' remaining Premier League gamespublished at 08:27 British Summer Time
Liverpool
If Arsenal keep winning their matches then Liverpool will need three more points from their remaining five games to lift the Premier League title.
Here is a reminder of their remaining fixtures:
- 27 Apr: Tottenham (h)
- 04 May: Chelsea (a)
- 11 May: Arsenal (h)
- 19 May: Brighton (a)
- 25 May: Crystal Palace (h)
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Get Involved - when will Liverpool win the Premier League title?published at 08:23 British Summer Time
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Matt, Vienna: I can't see Liverpool failing to beat at least one of Spurs / Chelsea in the next two and sealing it. But if not, that game with Arsenal on 11th of May could be a proper cracker.
Which team won most points in a Premier League season?published at 08:21 British Summer Time
Image source, Getty Images
If Arne Slot's Liverpool channel Kenny's positive vibes and win all five of their remaining Premier League games, they will finish the season with a tally of 94 points.
How does that compare with some of the best points tallies the league has ever seen?
Only one club have hit the century in the Premier League - in the 2017-18 season champions Manchester City hit that mark with a last-gasp win on the final day of the season.
Liverpool's 2019-20 title win saw them collect 99 points - achieved during a season that was disrupted by the pandemic.
Pep Guardiola's City won in 2018-19 with 98 points, while the Reds finished that season one point behind.
Jose Mourinho's Chelsea won the 2004-05 title with a then record 95 points.
Slot's side can beat the 93-point tally achieved by Chelsea in 2016-17 and City in 2021-22 if they finish their campaign with five straight wins.
Most points in a Premier League season:
- Manchester City in 2017-18 - 100 points
- Liverpool in 2019-20 - 99 points
- Manchester City in 2018-19 - 98 points
- Liverpool in 2018-19 - 97 points
- Chelsea in 2004-05 - 95 points
- Chelsea in 2016-17 - 93 points
- Manchester City in 2021-22 - 93 points
Postpublished at 08:13 British Summer Time
I imagine Kenny writing that with 'You'll Never Walk Alone' playing on loop...
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Get Involvedpublished at 08:11 British Summer Time
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With glory beckoning, the Reds stand poised to etch their name alongside the mighty Devils, claiming their 20th crown. The air hums with anticipation, the banners unfurl, and the revelry readies itself for its grand crescendo. A nod of gratitude to Arsenal - steadfast in their resistance - and may their resolve hold firm midweek, lest fate writes this triumph away from Anfield once more. No solitary cheers behind closed doors this time, no passive coronation gifted from afar. Let the Kop erupt, let the final whistle seal the destiny where it rightfully belongs - in the heart of Liverpool, under the floodlit embrace of Anfield’s hallowed turf. Buzzing for #LFC to hit 20 and match the mighty Red Devils! Party’s getting prepped - cheers to Arsenal for keeping things interesting, so the Reds can wrap it up properly at Anfield, not from the sofa again! 🔴🏆
Kenny, LFC Fan, Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala, India
Monday's headlines so farpublished at 08:04 British Summer Time
Just joining? Hello, great to have you with us.
We're bring you reaction to the weekend's Premier League action, with Liverpool potentially days away from their 20th top-flight title.
Here's what we've discussed so far:
- Liverpool take a huge step closer to the title with a 1-0 win over Leicester
- It means they can now win the title on Wednesday (if Arsenal lose to Palace) or - if Arsenal win or draw in midweek - they can do it themselves, at home, against Spurs on Sunday
- We're asking for your thoughts on Liverpool's impending title - how does it feel? Without drama, but does it matter?
Stick around - loads to come as we get stuck into Trent Alexander-Arnold and that celebration.
Plus, as Leicester are relegated, how does their future look?
Image source, Getty Images
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Get Involved - what additions do Liverpool need to build on this season?published at 08:02 British Summer Time
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That's quite a stark assessment Simon, but one that feeds into another potential talking point we can get into this morning:
What players do Liverpool need to add to the current squad to make sure they build on what looks likely to be a second top-flight title of the Premier League era?
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Get Involvedpublished at 07:58 British Summer Time
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The only reason I'm nervous is because we seem to be scraping our way to the title with late wins on small margins. Arne Slot seems to have been worked out by every other manager and his response has been to rely on the talented players Jurgen Klopp left behind, refusing to use substitutes until the 60th minute and insisting on starting the same out-of-form midfielders each match while showing a refusal to evolve his game. We were supposed to be more cohesive under Slot, but we're leaky as ever in defence and toothless in attack.
Simon
'So nice to have players who can step up when we need it'published at 07:55 British Summer Time
Leicester 0-1 Liverpool
Media caption,
Alexander-Arnold has a great left foot - Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, speaking to BBC's Match of the Day, on Trent Alexander-Arnold's left-foot finish: "It was a great finish from Trent. I wonder if he ever did [score with his left foot]? He has a very good left foot, but because his right foot is so, so, so exceptional he prefers to hit it with his right. His left foot is also something he can use really well."
On the importance of his goal: "Great for him. Last week it was Virgil [scoring a winner in the league], now it is Trent. It's been Mo [Salah] for a long, long time - today he missed a few. But it is so nice to have players who can step up if we really need it. That's what Virgil did last week and Trent did today."
Postpublished at 07:53 British Summer Time
We will look more into the potential significance of Trent Alexander- Arnold's celebration in a moment...

Premier League Table

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Goals For	Goals Against	Goal Difference	Points	Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first
1 Liverpool	33	24	7	2	75	31	44	79	Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Loss Result Win Result Win
2 Arsenal	33	18	12	3	61	27	34	66	Result Draw Result Win Result Win Result Draw Result Draw Result Win
3 Newcastle United	33	18	5	10	62	44	18	59	Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Loss
4 Manchester City	33	17	7	9	64	42	22	58	Result Loss Result Draw Result Win Result Draw Result Win Result Win
5 Chelsea	33	16	9	8	58	40	18	57	Result Win Result Loss Result Win Result Draw Result Draw Result Win
6 Nottingham Forest	32	17	6	9	51	38	13	57	Result Draw Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Loss Result Loss
7 Aston Villa	33	16	9	8	53	47	6	57	Result Loss Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Win
8 AFC Bournemouth	33	13	10	10	52	40	12	49	Result Draw Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw Result Win Result Draw
9 Fulham	33	13	9	11	48	45	3	48	Result Loss Result Win Result Loss Result Win Result Loss Result Loss
10 Brighton & Hove Albion	33	12	12	9	53	53	0	48	Result Win Result Draw Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss
11 Brentford	33	13	7	13	56	50	6	46	Result Loss Result Win Result Loss Result Draw Result Draw Result Win
12 Crystal Palace	33	11	11	11	41	45	-4	44	Result Win Result Draw Result Win Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw
13 Everton	33	8	14	11	34	40	-6	38	Result Draw Result Draw Result Loss Result Draw Result Win Result Loss
14 Manchester United	33	10	8	15	38	46	-8	38	Result Draw Result Win Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss Result Loss
15 Wolverhampton Wanderers	33	11	5	17	48	61	-13	38	Result Draw Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Win Result Win
16 Tottenham Hotspur	32	11	4	17	60	49	11	37	Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss Result Loss Result Win Result Loss
17 West Ham United	33	9	9	15	37	55	-18	36	Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss Result Draw
18 Ipswich Town	33	4	9	20	33	71	-38	21	Result Loss Result Loss Result Win Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss
19 Leicester City	33	4	6	23	27	73	-46	18	Result Loss Result Loss Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss
20 Southampton	33	2	5	26	24	78	-54	11	Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw Result Loss Result Loss Result Draw

Key

Position 1 - 5 : UEFA Champions League
Position 6 : UEFA Europa League
Position 18 - 20 : Relegation

Last Updated 21st April 2025 at 12:25

Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made.

Premier League: Latest in the race for the Champions League as Forest go to Spurs

Summary

Live Reporting

Get Involvedpublished at 09:19 British Summer Time

Alexander-Arnold the difference against Foxespublished at 09:16 British Summer Time

'Iconic moment in a special Liverpool career - but was it a farewell?'published at 09:08 British Summer Time

Just joining? Here's what we're discussingpublished at 09:03 British Summer Time

Get Involvedpublished at 08:52 British Summer Time

Get Involvedpublished at 08:50 British Summer Time

Postpublished at 08:45 British Summer Time

Liverpool set to match Man Utd's record of 20 titlespublished at 08:43 British Summer Time

Get Involvedpublished at 08:35 British Summer Time

Liverpool set to win one of most one-sided titles?published at 08:30 British Summer Time

Reds' remaining Premier League gamespublished at 08:27 British Summer Time

Get Involved - when will Liverpool win the Premier League title?published at 08:23 British Summer Time

Which team won most points in a Premier League season?published at 08:21 British Summer Time

Postpublished at 08:13 British Summer Time

Get Involvedpublished at 08:11 British Summer Time

Monday's headlines so farpublished at 08:04 British Summer Time

Get Involved - what additions do Liverpool need to build on this season?published at 08:02 British Summer Time

Get Involvedpublished at 07:58 British Summer Time

'So nice to have players who can step up when we need it'published at 07:55 British Summer Time

Postpublished at 07:53 British Summer Time

Premier League Scores and fixtures

Monday 21st April

Premier League Table

Key