Six discussion points ahead of the Premier League weekend.

Six talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend, including Liverpool's need to toughen up, Phil Foden's outstanding form, and an acid test for Arsenal.

Liverpool must toughen up against the Hammers. 

Liverpool's title chances appear to be dead following a thumping defeat in the Merseyside Derby in midweek, the Reds' second loss in three league games, leaving them down but not out. Their defeat against Everton was extremely different from the Liverpool we've come to know under Jurgen Klopp. His team was outworked and outfought, and the Reds were frightened by set pieces.

Both Everton goals came from dead balls into the area, and Liverpool looked vulnerable throughout the game, something David Moyes will have taken note of ahead of Saturday's noon clash with West Ham at the London Stadium.

Moyes' teams are generally excellent at set-pieces, and more than a fifth of West Ham's goals this season have come from them. Liverpool should ready for another aerial bombardment this weekend and toughen up.

Revitalized forwards clash in London Derby 

Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz and Jean-Philippe Mateta face off in the capital, where both have been rejuvenated this season. The former underperformed on loan at Middlesbrough last season, making only one league start before Christmas, but has since established himself as Fulham's first-choice forward.

The huge Brazilian has eight league goals since February and has passed his exam to replace Aleksandar Mitrovic at the Cottage. Meanwhile, Mateta has been a revelation at Crystal Palace since the club's coaching change. He was formerly a squad member with a modest goal total, but under Oliver Glasner, he has had a good run.

The 26-year-old has scored eight goals in his previous nine Premier League games, including braces against West Ham and Newcastle. That is more than he accomplished in his first two full seasons with the Eagles combined. The duo has had a remarkable comeback.

Set-piece threat can confirm survival for the jubilant Blues

We mentioned Everton's set-piece threat previously, and Sean Dyche has used it to its full potential this season. The Toffees are now eight points clear of the relegation zone, and safety may be assured this weekend if things go their way.

Everton will face Brentford at Goodison Park, and they will be looking to capitalize on dead balls once again. Everton has now scored 17 Premier League goals from set-pieces, excluding penalties, following Dominic Calvert-Lewin's thunderous header against Liverpool this season. Only Arsenal (20) has scored more, with 47% of Everton's league goals coming from set pieces.

Brentford, on the other hand, are a tough nut to crack, with just three sides conceding less set-piece goals (7): Arsenal, Fulham, and Manchester City.

Aston Villa is closing up on a historic season. 

Aston Villa has put pressure on Tottenham in the race for Champions League football, with back-to-back victories over Arsenal and Bournemouth resulting in a six-point lead. Spurs have two games in hand, but because to a scheduling quirk, Villa could extend their lead to nine points before the North Londoners play again.

Unai Emery's team hosts Chelsea at Villa Park, and the Blues are coming off a 5-0 humiliation at Arsenal. Victory for Villa would feel like a huge step towards the top four, especially as Spurs face league leaders Arsenal in the North London derby the next day.

Villa's season is shaping up to be historic, as they beat Lille this month to advance to the Europa Conference League semi-finals against Olympiacos. This team has a legitimate shot at winning its first championship in 28 years and qualifying for the Champions League. Dreamland.

Fantastic Foden aiming for individual accolades

Kevin De Bruyne stated this week that Phil Foden has 'upped a level' at Manchester City this season, and it is difficult to disagree. Foden scored his 24th goal of the season in all competitions against Brighton on midweek as the Citizens put on a ruthless performance at the Amex Stadium.

Trusted with greater minutes in central areas, the 23-year-old has emerged as a key player for Pep Guardiola. Foden's double against the Seagulls brought his Premier League goal total to 51, a record that appears destined to rise as he matures.

The PFA Player of the Year award may eventually be decided by who wins the championship race, but Foden is currently the favourite.

Arsenal face a tough test in the North London derby.

How good is this Arsenal squad? How much have they progressed since last season? So far, the evidence suggests that things are going well, and there has been a lot of development.

Mikel Arteta's team beat Chelsea 5-0 on Tuesday night, and Arsenal have recovered admirably from their defeat to Aston Villa and Champions League elimination earlier this month.

Kai Havertz has silenced his skeptics at center-forward, Martin Odegaard is a beast in midfield, and the North Londoners have the league's strongest defense.

Manchester City reduced the deficit to one point on Thursday and have a game in hand, but the Gunners can only keep winning and hope for a slip-up by the Citizens. There is no room for error, and this weekend is likely to be the most important acid test of the season. No team will want to dash Arsenal's chances more than Tottenham, who must win to keep their own hopes alive in what promises to be a North London derby to remember.