Liverpool entered this season as defending Premier League champions and lots of observers genuinely believed that Arne Slot’s facet may win it once more, particularly after the summer season switch window that that they had.
Quick ahead to mid-February 2026, and actuality has hit the Reds sq. within the face. They received’t be retaining their top-flight title.
Commercial
The Hole That Says It All
regardless of Sunday’s dramatic win over Nottingham Forest, Liverpool path league leaders Arsenal by 16 factors, a chasm that no quantity of wishful considering can bridge. With 11 video games to go, a restoration could be mathematically doable, however realistically that’s by no means taking place. It simply isn’t.
At this level, the title race is a two-horse contest between Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis, and bookmakers agree. The Gunners are priced as brief as 4/11 to raise the trophy, with Pep Guardiola’s facet out there at 2/1. For the total image on who’s anticipated to win it and at what costs, the web page on Transfermarkt offers a pointy overview of the place the market stands.
As for Liverpool? They’re sitting at 80/1 or longer at most bookmakers, a worth that tells you the whole lot about their title prospects this season.
(Photograph by Michael Regan/Getty Pictures)
Commercial
What Liverpool Are Truly Combating For
Not solely will Liverpool not win the title this season, additionally they mightn’t qualify for the Champions League.
As of Monday morning, they sit stage on factors with Chelsea and Manchester United in fourth and fifth respectively. Fifth place may clinch Champions League soccer once more for subsequent time period, so it offers the Reds extra hope, and Gary Lineker .
Arne Slot has mentioned himself that failing to qualify for the competitors can be unacceptable, however he appears assured that his job will nonetheless be secure even when they miss out. The jury stays out on that.
Commercial
If Liverpool miss out on qualification by way of home standings, their final resort can be to win this season’s Champions League to make it into the 2026/27 match. That’s not not possible for a crew of the Reds’ stature and high quality, however it’s a tall order.
(Photograph by Justin Setterfield/Getty Pictures)
Why This Season Went Flawed
Quite a few accidents to key gamers have hollowed out Liverpool’s marketing campaign. The absences of Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley at varied factors have disrupted rhythm and weakened squad depth. The Reds have additionally conceded 4 Ninetieth-minute winners within the league this season – a grim report that displays a facet missing the resilience that true title contenders possess.
Commercial
Regardless of latest enchancment, Slot’s crew have nonetheless received simply three out of 9 Premier League video games to this point in 2026. That win fee can’t proceed if Champions League soccer stays the target.
Targets Revised, Motivation Intact
Liverpool’s story this season is now not concerning the title. It’s now about salvaging one thing significant from a marketing campaign that promised a lot within the league. The hole in direction of Arsenal and Man Metropolis is simply too vast to shut, however ending within the prime 4 is a practical goal.
Thirty-three factors to play for throughout 11 extra league video games. That’s the important mission for the Reds within the last stretch of 2025/26, and Champions League qualification is just non-negotiable.