With Liverpool 5 factors away from Manchester Metropolis on the high of the Premier League desk, there’s more and more one query on pundits’ lips.
Can Arne Slot’s Reds truly win the title race?
It’s an enormous ask within the Dutchman’s opening season accountable for the membership following long-serving supervisor Jurgen Klopp’s summer time departure.
But, with Pep Guardiola already participating in refined thoughts video games while the Sky Blues flounder in November, the query can solely be averted for thus lengthy.
Paul Merson says Liverpool deserve extra credit score
Paul Merson was actually of a thoughts to make sure Liverpool’s astonishing rise below Slot was recognised.
“I nonetheless suppose Arsenal must win this soccer match. 10 factors behind Liverpool who’re an excellent group,” the previous Gunners star mentioned on Sky Sports activities‘ protection of Arsenal v Chelsea.
“I feel Liverpool usually are not getting the credit score they deserve in the mean time, if I’m being trustworthy.
“All people’s pondering, ‘Oh, nicely, Man Metropolis misplaced’. However Liverpool are spread-eagling in the mean time. 10 factors is loads.”
Merson went on so as to add: “It is a must-win recreation for Arsenal. 10 factors. Liverpool might go on and lose two or three extra video games [whereas] Arsenal have gotten no room.”
The stats would definitely point out that some reward is due for the 46-year-old head coach.
28 factors amassed in his first 11 Premier League video games – solely matched by Guus Hiddink at Chelsea – is an astonishing achievement for a supervisor whose prior credit embody Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar.
“It is a must-win recreation for Arsenal” 😤
Merse says Arsenal should win as we speak to catch Liverpool 🗣 pic.twitter.com/2qrM8Q3pmV
— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 10, 2024
Gary Neville continues to again Arsenal
Even when Liverpool don’t go on to win the 2024/25 Premier League title (the famed, Manchester United-matching No.20), we hope commentators gained’t take away this spectacular begin to life at Anfield from Arne Slot.
Realistically, it must be remembered that we had been by no means anticipated to realistically problem for the title after transitioning to a brand new supervisor and magnificence of play.
That mentioned, one can’t assist however roll their eyes when confronted with Gary Neville’s cussed backing of the Merseysiders’ title rivals.
“I feel Arsenal have gotten to win as we speak, I agree with Paul Merson,” the previous Manchester United star informed Sky Sports activities.
“I gained’t say ‘must-win’, however I feel they’ve obtained that mentality to go and win and get again to that time whereby they’re actually seen as challenges for the title.
“I strongly imagine they’re.”
In Neville’s defence, there’s no query that the likes of Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis ought to be thought of challengers. Nonetheless, this could rankle loads much less if the 49-year-old wasn’t on file as completely dismissing Liverpool’s title prospects due to (checks notes) a 2-1 win over Wolves the place we weren’t “anyplace close to” our greatest.
Even when Arsenal go on to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Gary – they’ll nonetheless be seven factors behind us.
If Mikel Arteta’s males are thought of “title challengers”, then so ought to Liverpool.
