Race for top four hots up

League leaders Arsenal and their biggest competition of the ongoing season, Manchester City, have headlined the title-winning talks in the Premier League for the most part of the 2022-23 campaign but the next two spots that have Champions League qualification at stake have spurred on much more interesting discussions with as many as eight teams currently eyeing the coveted top-four spots.

EFL Cup champions Manchester United currently sit third with 50 points after 26 matches, followed by Tottenham Hotspur, who have 48, having played a match more.

A revitalised United under Erik ten Hag have made their mark on the Premier League but their resurgence has kept them in contention for each of the competitions they've played in. Having won the EFL Cup earlier, ten Hag will have his work cut out as his side is competing for the Europa League, the FA Cup, and will also have to grind out results to keep their hold of a top-four position in the league.

On the other hand, a recent dip in form has had many question Tottenham's credentials for the top four, and a sucker punch from AC Milan which saw them crash out from the Round of 16 of the Champions League has only intensified those doubts doubled with the lack of urgency, and at times excitement, that Antonio Conte has struggled to deliver. With Liverpool and Newcastle breathing down their neck, Spurs, who have traditionally struggled to perform under pressure, will be feeling the heat while trying to maintain a Champions League spot. Crashing out of Europe perhaps came as a blessing for Conte, who can now channel all his expertise into securing a top-four spot.

Inconsistency has become synonymous with Liverpool this season. A host of injuries combined with a fresh attacking line has made adjusting difficult for Juergen Klopp's side, who are sixth on the table. The Reds handed rivals Manchester United a 7-0 mauling and the following week went down 1-0 to bottom-placed Bournemouth. Creating chances hasn't been an issue for Liverpool but the finishing has. They are second to only City when it comes to creating big chances and top the charts for chances missed. They've hit the woodwork most times this season so far, with 15 coming off the bars and have had the most shots on target per game.

Klopp's men, who are six points off fourth-placed Tottenham, have a difficult run of upcoming fixtures as they will take on Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal in successive game weeks, which could eventually decide whether the Reds would make the top four or not. But facing the top-six sides haven't been an issue for Liverpool this season as they have thrashed Manchester United, and drew against Chelsea in the league but have given away points to Brighton, Wolves, Brentford, and of course, Bournemouth.

Fifth-placed Newcastle under Eddie Howe have been a revelation as things seemed to have fallen in place for The Magpies who, with the influx of some much-needed fund and the pathway of a project, have been able to turn things around. They have had the tightest defence in the league so far, with only 18 conceded in 25 games and have kept the joint-most clean sheets, 15 with Arsenal. They have not scored many but Howe's side have been stubborn and hard to beat. With technique and pace upfront, with the likes of Miguel Almiron, Anthony Gordon and Callum Wilson, and an adept back four, it wouldn't be a surprise if Champions League football returns to St. James' Park.

While Brighton, Fulham, and Brentford make up 7th, 8th, and 9th positions on the table, Chelsea, who are 10th after 26 games, seem the most likely to push for at least a Europa League spot considering the sheer quality they have on their side. And with back-to-back wins against Leeds United and Leicester City, Graham Potter's side seems to have found that spark. Resorting back to a back-three has helped the Blues to click but it has to be the forwards who must carry their weight if Chelsea are to make a realistic push for a European spot as they have conceded 26 goals in the 26 matches played, which is only one behind league leaders Arsenal.