Liverpool showcased their determination to stay atop the Premier League by defeating Leicester City 3-1 at Anfield on Boxing Day. The victory solidified their position, putting them a remarkable seven points clear of the competition. Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, and the ever-reliable Mohamed Salah were the heroes of the match, contributing valuable goals that ensured Liverpool’s momentum remained unbroken.

The match didn't start in Liverpool's favor, with Jordan Ayew putting Leicester ahead just six minutes in. Despite a resolute defensive performance from the Foxes, Liverpool broke through just before halftime, as Gakpo found the net with a stunning shot into the far corner. The second half saw Jones extend the lead, finishing from close range shortly after the restart. Salah capped off the performance with his traditional Boxing Day goal, showcasing his phenomenal finishing skills against debutant goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk.

With this triumph, Liverpool not only created distance from rivals but also sent a message to reigning champions Manchester City, who could sense the pressure with Liverpool's strategic excellence. Arsenal had a chance to narrow the gap further with a matchup against Ipswich Town, but all eyes were on Liverpool's next stretch of matches as they look to solidify their title ambitions.

In a crucial turning point in the season, let’s dissect how Liverpool's next five fixtures compare to those of their title rivals, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Liverpool’s Upcoming Fixtures:

- December 29: vs West Ham (A) at 5:15 PM - Premier League - January 5: vs Manchester United (H) at 4:30 PM - Premier League - January 8: vs Tottenham Hotspur - League Cup semi-final first leg - January 11: vs Accrington Stanley (H) at 12:15 PM - FA Cup - January 14: vs Nottingham Forest (A) at 8 PM - Premier League

Chelsea’s Upcoming Fixtures:

- December 30: vs Ipswich Town (A) at 7:45 PM - Premier League - January 4: vs Crystal Palace (A) at 3 PM - Premier League - January 11: vs Morecambe (H) at 3 PM - FA Cup - January 14: vs AFC Bournemouth (H) at 7:30 PM - Premier League - January 20: vs Wolves (H) at 8 PM - Premier League

Arsenal’s Upcoming Fixtures:

- January 1: vs Brentford (A) at 5:30 PM - Premier League - January 4: vs Brighton (A) at 5:30 PM - Premier League - January 7: vs Newcastle United (A) at 8 PM - League Cup semi-final first leg - January 12: vs Manchester United (H) at 3 PM - FA Cup - January 15: vs Tottenham (H) at 8 PM - Premier League

Manchester City’s Upcoming Fixtures:

- December 29: vs Leicester City (A) at 2:30 PM - Premier League - January 4: vs West Ham (H) at 3 PM - Premier League - January 11: vs Salford City (H) at 5:45 PM - FA Cup - January 14: vs Brentford (A) at 7:30 PM - Premier League - January 19: vs Ipswich Town (A) at 4:30 PM - Premier League

As Liverpool eyes further victories, the challenge ahead is undeniable. Each fixture carries implications not just for points, but for morale and momentum in the fraught race for the Premier League title. Will Liverpool maintain their lead, or can their rivals catch up? Keep your eyes peeled as the drama of the Premier League unfolds!