Darwin Nunez's future is all but sealed, with the attacker reportedly destined to leave Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
The Reds' weekend got off to a perfect start when Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by West Ham United on Saturday, meaning the Merseysiders are first and lead the Gunners by eight points.
Striker Nunez will be relieved that his costly miss against Aston Villa, when the Reds drew 2-2 with the Lions last Wednesday, did not allow Mikel Arteta's side to close the gap to five points.
The Uruguayan striker has only started seven times in the top flight this term, and his performance against Villa was concerning, with boss Arne Slot criticising his overall showing, saying: "I can accept every miss, especially from a player that has scored two very important goals against Brentford, that scores for us in the home game against Villa.
"That I can accept but what was a bit harder for me to accept was his behaviour after that chance. I think it got too much in his head, where he wasn't the usual Darwin that works his a** off and makes sure he helps the team."
The Athletic claim that Liverpool are likely to sell Nunez in the upcoming transfer window, with suggestions that the forward could leave to a club in the Saudi Pro League.
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Who could replace Nunez?
Diogo Jota has been Slot's preferred choice up front, but the Portuguese striker has often struggled with injury issues, and that has led the Dutch boss to start winger Luis Diaz in central positions.
Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool's talisman this campaign, and his tally of 24 goals in the Premier League is more than Cody Gakpo, Diaz and Jota have managed combined.
Perhaps Nunez's replacement in attack should be someone like Alexander Isak, who is capable of contributing significantly in the final third considering he has scored 17 Premier League goals for Newcastle United.
However, Slot has remarked that he prefers his striker to also act as a facilitator for others like Salah, and that may mean the club will look for a player capable of playing as a false nine.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Joao Pedro is comfortable dropping deep to link play and can play in small pockets of space, and he has provided six goals and six assists in 20 Premier League matches this term.
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Nunez's legacy: A Premier League title winner?
Nunez came on from the substitute's bench against Brentford on January 18 when the score was 0-0 and managed to find the back of the net twice in second-half stoppage time, helping the Reds secure a 2-0 victory.
The 25-year-old also provided match-levelling assists for Salah against Arsenal and Jota against Fulham on October 27 and December 14 respectively, as well as the match-winning goal against Aston Villa at Anfield on November 9.
His direct contributions have been few and far between, but the striker can at least argue that his goals and assists have earned Liverpool several points, and that the gap to Arsenal would not be nearly as big without him.
While Nunez has disappointed during his time on Merseyside, he can still leave England with a medal around his neck, and he will hope to make an impact on Sunday against Manchester City.
Lewis Nolan
