Liverpool 0-3, Man City 1-2: Arsenal benefit from the situation.

Two simultaneous defeats for Liverpool and Manchester City have opened the door wide for Arsenal in the title race. At Anfield, defending champions Liverpool lost 0-3 to Nottingham Forest. At St James' Park, Manchester City succumbed 1-2 to Newcastle United. These results put Arsenal in a position to pull ahead even before they play.

Anfield sinks into silence: Liverpool lose their 6th Premier League match in 7 games.

Liverpool's title defense campaign has sunk deeper into crisis after a 0-3 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday. This was their sixth loss in their last seven Premier League matches, pushing Liverpool down to 11th place and eight points behind leaders Arsenal, although they have played a game more.

Goals from Murillo, Nicolo Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White sank Arne Slot's side. The contrast with the previous season was stark: back then, Liverpool had lost only four games in total on their way to winning their 20th title.

Arne Slot admitted it was a "very, very, very bad result" and argued there was no excuse for the run of form. Virgil van Dijk also expressed his disappointment, highlighting Liverpool's inferiority in challenges and lack of a solid defensive foundation. The second goal – which came far too easily – was a prime example of those weaknesses.

Nottingham Forest, under the guidance of Sean Dyche, played disciplined and strong football. They even had a goal from Igor Jesus disallowed for a handball, but still controlled the tempo of the game and punished the home side's mistakes.

Two decisive minutes at St James' Park

In a later match, Manchester City missed the opportunity to close the gap, losing 1-2 to Newcastle United. The home side – having just lost two consecutive games – fought back and were rewarded with a brace from Harvey Barnes.

Ruben Dias equalized for Man City in the 68th minute, but just two minutes later, Barnes restored Newcastle's lead from a scramble in the penalty area. That brief turning point was enough to decide the outcome, despite the visitors' efforts to control the game.

Pep Guardiola admitted that dropping points is always disappointing, while also praising the opponent's performance. Erling Haaland continued his goalless streak in three of Man City's four defeats this season in the domestic league. After their fourth loss of the season, Man City sit third, four points behind Arsenal and having played one more game.

Arsenal have a good chance to take the lead.

The fact that two of their direct rivals slipped up gives Arsenal a chance to widen the gap. If they win the North London Derby against Tottenham on Sunday, Arsenal could open up a 7-point lead over Manchester City and an 11-point lead over Liverpool.

Key numbers

• Liverpool: lost 6 of their last 7 Premier League matches; ranked 11th; 8 points behind Arsenal; have played one more game.
• Man City: fourth defeat of the season; third place; 4 points behind Arsenal; have played one more game.
• Newcastle United: Harvey Barnes scored a brace; Ruben Dias pulled one back in the 68th minute, before Barnes sealed the 2-1 victory just two minutes later.
• Liverpool lost only four games all season on their way to winning their 20th league title.

The sounds emanating from the dressing room.

Arne Slot called the defeat "very, very, very bad" and admitted he couldn't offer enough excuses. Virgil van Dijk pointed to the poor tackling and weak defensive foundation – particularly evident in the second goal conceded. On the Man City side, Pep Guardiola acknowledged his disappointment at dropping points, but recognized Newcastle's courageous performance.

Amidst a packed fixture schedule, a series of setbacks are testing the depth and character of the two leading contenders. Arsenal, conversely, have the opportunity to turn their paper advantage into a concrete lead – if they complete their task in the derby.