For one club it has been a season of success and the weekend of April 3rd/4th was one of victory snatched at the last. For the other a season of dismal disappointment and a weekend of points surrendered meekly. The stories of Arsenal and Liverpool this year are seemingly divergent, but from now on are intertwined. (Ed’s note, Arsenal beat Wolves 1-0 while Liverpool drew at Birmingham)

Both clubs must hope that their rivals slip up in their pursuit of a distant but tantalising goal, and in order to reach their objective, they must hope that the other thrives. The key date is May 1. It is then that Liverpool face Chelsea in what could be the most important match of the season. With games running out and Arsenal needing to pick up four points more than the current leaders, the clash – Liverpool’s last at home – looks the most likely stumbling block. While it is not essential, it is highly preferable for Liverpool to still have a chance of Champions’ League qualification at that stage. Without it, the possibilities of resting players for Europe – now they have got past Benfica – or even losing so that Chelsea can prevent United from securing their 19th title, will loom, if not in reality then certainly in speculation. Our best chance at winning the league rests with Liverpool keeping in touch with Man City and Spurs.

And that is of course where we can affect the outcome directly. Taking three points apiece off City and Spurs not only keeps us in with a shout, but serves to give Liverpool as much motivation as possible.

A seemingly clear equation gets muddied when you consider that we want United to lose to City and Spurs to beat both United and Chelsea, thus decreasing the chances of Liverpool having fourth to play for come the start of next month. It takes for granted our ability to beat Wigan, Blackburn and Fulham and discounts the possibility (or probability if Benitez’ decision to sub Fernando Torres is anything to go by) of Liverpool dropping unnecessary points elsewhere. Be that as it may, the chances are that if Arsenal are to have something to celebrate at the end of the season, Liverpool will too.