Klopp delight as Liverpool told main reason they’ve overtaken Arsenal as prime title challengers; Man Utd already ‘written off’
Jurgen Klopp will be delighted after a pundit tipped Liverpool to get back in the mix for the Premier League title this season, with Arsenal overtaken and Manchester United already way off the pace.
Liverpool went on an incredible run towards the end of last season as they pushed to sneak into the top four. However, some poor results earlier in the campaign ended up costing them as they finished fifth, four points behind Newcastle United.
The Reds were also unable to add any major silverware to their trophy cabinet, as they were knocked out of both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in the fourth round and lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16.
Liverpool have made some big changes in midfield this summer as they eye a return to the summit of the Prem. Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Naby Keita are just some of the midfielders who have left, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch replacing those departures.
Liverpool also could have lost talisman Mo Salah amid a huge £150million offer from Al Ittihad. But that was rejected as Anfield chiefs do not want to lose Salah under any circumstances.
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant thinks keeping Salah is the main reason why Liverpool will compete with City for the Prem title again, with Arsenal lagging behind slightly. Man Utd, meanwhile, have no chance of ending their wait for the trophy in Pennant’s eyes.
“Minimum [expectation] is top four. The way we have started so far is ten times better than how Liverpool started last season,” Pennant said during an appearance on talkSPORT.
“They look solid. Little bit worried about the defence but going forward, they look strong.
Mo Salah staying ‘good for everyone at Liverpool’
“The midfield is a really good midfield now. Young, energetic, [Dominik] Szoboszlai looks very good.
“Keeping Mo is not only going to be good for Liverpool but good for everything to do with Liverpool.
“The players will see Mo there, they know what he will give you. Goals, assists… and with him staying there, they should know be looking to challenge Manchester City like they have for the last five years, bar last season.
“At the moment, I’d say Liverpool are in a better place than Arsenal. I’ll say in the games so far, they have played a lot better than Arsenal.
“Mikel Arteta is still tweaking… he is trying to fit people into the team.
“Write Manchester United off, because they are all over the shop. I think if Liverpool played Arsenal, Liverpool are the better team and would be favourites going into that game.”
Looking at the table, it is understandable that Liverpool fans will be getting excited for this season. They are unbeaten in the league, having won three out of their four matches so far.
One game to keep an eye out for is the clash against Tottenham in North London on September 30. Ange Postecoglou has got Spurs firing, so it looks set to be a game full of quality.
Before then, Liverpool will come up against Wolves and West Ham in the league, as well as facing LASK in the Europa League and Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
Meanwhile, a report has revealed Liverpool and Spurs could engage in a bidding war for a Prem player in January.