Agony for Arsenal and Liverpool. Why did it go wrong? There's still hope? | first division

Has this been coming?

Arsenal: The team's progress had been calm until the 18th minute. against Bayern Munich Last Tuesday. Arsenal were leading 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinals, but a moment of confusion between David Raya and Gabriel gave the German team a lifeline and appeared to sow doubts among a defense that has been the key to his recent form. . Although Arteta insisted before the Villa game that his players would learn from their experience after recovering to draw against Bayern, it was clear those problems remained as a series of errors allowed Unai Emery's team to take the three points. The ease with which Leon Bailey was able to score Villa's first goal after Lucas Digne's weak cross broke through the Arsenal defense highlighted the growing uncertainty that has gripped the team. EA

Liverpool: Absolutely, and that's not being smart in hindsight. There was a trepidation at Anfield before kick-off on Sunday that was justified and ultimately prophetic. Atalanta's comprehensive victory was one of the reasons, and a 3-0 away victory did not at all flatter a team sixth in Serie A, but Liverpool's recent performances were the main harbinger of doom. A month ago, Klopp's team was still on the hunt for four trophies and the perfect farewell for his outgoing coach. Since he left the FA Cup quarter-finals slip through your fingers At Manchester United, however, there has been a lack of conviction in Liverpool's play that has affected them on both sides of the pitch. Faith seems to be disappearing from both players and fans. “I'm not 100% sure the way we approached United games has particularly helped.” Klopp admitted. on Sunday. “We lost the Cup match and it was like a catastrophe.” oh

What are your biggest problems?

Arsenal: Concerns about the mental effects of last season's failed title chase on such a young team will surely arise after the way Sunday's defeat. This time around, Arteta has virtually a full squad to choose from, having been hampered by injuries to William Saliba and Gabriel during the run-up 12 months ago, but negative memories will have returned to many of his players. The challenge for Arteta, who often talks about how important it can be to manage emotions when it comes to difficult times, is to make them believe that all is not lost. As Declan Rice, one of those unaffected by last season's scar, said, the chance to beat Bayern in their own backyard is the “perfect game” to react to. EA

Liverpool: Fatigue is the obvious one, mental and physical. The workload of a squad overburdened by injuries and needing inexperienced youngsters to maintain momentum, and win the carabao cup, has started to take its toll at the worst possible time. Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo have had to play more minutes than Klopp would have liked in recent months. Both looked devastated against Palace and Atalanta. By contrast, while Liverpool's injury problems have eased, players returning from long layoffs (Dominik Szoboszlai, Jota, Jones, even Mohamed Salah) need time to rediscover the intense pace that Klopp's approach demands. A close race for the Premier League title and the cup quarter-finals does not allow that luxury. oh

Have managers done anything to regret?

Arsenal: Arteta has tried to appear calm as the intensity of the title race has increased. He probably regrets selecting Jakub Kiwior at left back against Bayern after the Polish defender was fouled on the second goal, having previously shown a solid performance in a position that caused the Arsenal coach who has the most headaches this season. Jorginho's omission until the 79th minute against a Villa team that grew in confidence seems ill-advised in retrospect. Arteta has shown that he has learned a lot from last season and will be keenly aware that there is no room for mistakes at this stage. EA

Liverpool: Klopp's options have been limited by injuries for much of the season. It is therefore harsh to blame the manager for Liverpool's sudden deterioration when his deft management of reduced resources has kept the team in contention for an unexpected title shot. However, he may regret the number of slow starts and missed opportunities that have cost him Liverpool. His faith in a Salah-Núñez-Luis Díaz treble must also be eroding after another ineffective performance from the trio against Palace. Cody Gakpo posed a major threat when he was introduced in the 66th minute and is surely in the running to start for Atalanta on Thursday. oh

What is cause for optimism?

Arsenal: Although Arteta offered a concise answer to questions about Martin Ødegaard's fitness after the game against Villa and did not reveal the extent of the injury that forced his captain off the field, Arsenal are hopeful that the playmaker be fit to face Bayern on Wednesday. Ødegaard will be crucial to their chances of reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2009 and there were signs during the first leg that Thomas Tuchel's side are vulnerable, especially on their left flank, where they will be without the suspended Alphonso Davies. A momentous victory at the Allianz Arena could give Arsenal the boost they need to reignite their first division challenge for the title and potentially set up a mouth-watering semi-final against Manchester City. Who knows what impact that could have on the title race?

Liverpool: The pitch may be thin after the last two results, but Liverpool's powers of recovery under Klopp are well established and, as mentioned, the team is close to being back to full strength again, with Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold returning against Palace. And Liverpool are just two points behind the leaders with six games remaining. But the leader is Manchester City. And Liverpool's next four games will be away from home. oh