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Liverpool head to Leeds this weekend under increasing pressure, with growing doubts over whether manager Arne Slot can halt a worrying decline in form, while Premier League leaders Arsenal prepare for a tough challenge away to an in-form Aston Villa.
Defensive fragility has become a major issue for the reigning champions, with captain Virgil van Dijk’s recent performances adding to concerns at the back.
Where Liverpool look increasingly vulnerable, Arsenal present a picture of solidity and control, yet they too face a significant examination at Villa Park.
Unai Emery’s side have emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous teams and are ready to test Mikel Arteta’s leadership in what could prove a pivotal fixture in the title race.
Although Mohamed Salah’s dip in form has attracted much attention, Van Dijk has also come under scrutiny as Liverpool’s defensive struggles deepen.
The club’s decision to extend the contracts of both players in April had been widely praised, but Van Dijk’s form has since raised questions.
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney highlighted concerns about the defender’s body language in October, suggesting he no longer looked like the commanding presence of previous seasons.
Now 34, Van Dijk has conceded three penalties in all competitions this term and was responsible for one in last week’s 4-1 defeat at home to PSV Eindhoven.
He was again at fault in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland, losing possession before standing off as Chemsdine Talbi’s long-range effort beat Alisson Becker. Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp said the defender had once seemed untouchable, but now appeared uncertain and prone to costly errors.
While Liverpool grapple with inconsistency, Aston Villa have undergone a remarkable turnaround. After failing to score a single goal in their opening four league games, Emery’s team have since won eight of their last nine matches to rise to third in the table.
Their confidence was further boosted by a thrilling 4-3 win at Brighton in midweek, in which Ollie Watkins scored twice to take his season tally beyond the solitary strike he had managed previously.
A victory against Arsenal on Saturday would leave Villa just three points behind the leaders, underlining their growing credentials as genuine contenders.
Emery, who once managed the Gunners, has also enjoyed success against his former club, losing just once in their previous four meetings.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy credited the Spaniard’s calm leadership, saying his refusal to panic at the start of the campaign and his man-management had been central to Villa’s revival.
Elsewhere, Sunderland continue to confound expectations as they prepare for a daunting visit to Manchester City.
In recent seasons, all promoted sides have struggled to survive, but Régis Le Bris’s team are thriving, sitting just five points behind second-placed City.
Although they were denied a first win at Anfield in more than four decades by a late own goal on Wednesday, their 1-1 draw with Liverpool reinforced their status as one of this season’s surprises.
Le Bris praised his players’ willingness to learn and improve, stressing that humility and daily progress were essential in the Premier League.
Only Arsenal and Crystal Palace have conceded fewer goals than Sunderland this season, though they now face the immense challenge of containing Pep Guardiola’s free-scoring champions.
The weekend programme also features Bournemouth against Chelsea, Everton hosting Nottingham Forest, Tottenham meeting Brentford and Leeds entertaining Liverpool on Saturday, before Brighton face West Ham and Fulham take on Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Wolves bring the round to a close on Monday night when they welcome Manchester United.
