Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has questioned Liverpool’s staying power in this season’s title race.
The Reds are 2 points behind leaders Arsenal after 14 games, and a point ahead of reigning champions Manchester City. However, speaking on his podcast, Neville said he is expecting a “two-horse race” for top spot, and he played down Jurgen Klopp’s side’s chances of being in contention come May:
“Liverpool I’m not sure about but then they’ve got Klopp, so I think that’s a factor because he can win and he’s proven he can win. Arsenal have still got to demonstrate in a run-in – and they need to get to that run-in – but they look like they’re on track and can handle a run-in. I’m confident they’ll handle a run-in than last year because last year they went under in every single sense, they failed.”
“They have got more this season, I think Arsenal have got what it takes to win a league I think that group of players are very good. There’s a lot to play for but the more points dropped, the more confidence Arsenal will gain.”
“What I would want to see is Arsenal and City in a run-in again, if Liverpool are there as well it becomes a three-horse race – great – but usually in the end, it becomes two. If it’s Arsenal and Manchester City again, it’ll be interesting to see how Arsenal handle it – I do feel like they’ll handle it.”
The performance against Fulham does raise doubts about Liverpool’s prospects
The Reds were lucky to escape with the 3 points against the Cottagers at the weekend. They got out of jail with some sublime finishes from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo.
If they are to maintain a title challenge beyond Christmas, they will have to play a lot better than they did on Sunday.
There are questions hanging over City too
While Arsenal look dead set to challenge for the league once more, the current holders are looking far less convincing than previous seasons.
Their 3-3 draw against Tottenham means they have now dropped points in their last 3 league fixtures, conceding 8 goals in the process.
Does Klopp know his best Liverpool XI? Watch our pundits discuss the issue on Shots!TV here