With Liverpool sitting at the top of the Premier League, five points behind Manchester City, there are more and more questions on pundits’ lips.
Can Arne Slot’s Reds actually win the title race?
That’s a big question in the Dutchman’s opening season in charge of the club following the summer departure of long-serving manager Jurgen Klopp.
But with Pep Guardiola already engaging in delicate mind games as the Sky Blues flounder in November, the question cannot be avoided for long.
Paul Merson says Liverpool deserve more credit
Paul Merson is clearly keen to ensure Liverpool’s remarkable growth under Slot is recognised.
“I still think Arsenal should win this football match. “We are 10 points behind Liverpool, who are a very good team.” The former Gunners star said: sky sports‘ Coverage Arsenal vs Chelsea match.
“To be honest, I don’t think Liverpool are getting the credit they deserve at the moment.
“Everyone is thinking, ‘Oh, Man City lost.’ However, Liverpool are currently eagling the spread. “10 points is a lot.”
Merson continued: “This is a game Arsenal must win. 10 points. Liverpool could go on to lose two or three more games. [whereas] “There is no room for Arsenal.”
The statistics certainly indicate that the 46-year-old manager deserves some praise.
Accumulating 28 points from his first 11 Premier League games – only matched by Guus Hiddink at Chelsea – is a remarkable achievement for a manager whose previous spells include Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar.
“This is a game Arsenal must win” 😤
Merce says Arsenal must win today to catch Liverpool 🗣 pic.twitter.com/2qrM8Q3pmV
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 10, 2024
Gary Neville continues to support Arsenal
Even if Liverpool don’t go on to win the 2024/25 Premier League title (famous for number 20, matching Manchester United), let’s hope commentators don’t rob Arne Slot of his impressive start to life at Anfield.
We have to remember that realistically we were never expected to challenge for the title after switching to a new manager and style of play.
That said, you can’t help but roll your eyes when you see Gary Neville stubbornly supporting the Merseysiders’ title rivals.
“I think Arsenal should win today. I agree with Paul Merson.” the former Manchester United star said sky sports.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a ‘must win,’ but I think they have the mentality to get back to a point where they see themselves as challenging for the title.
“I firmly believe that they are.”
There is no doubt that the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City will be in Neville’s defence. must Considered a challenger. But this would be much less highly ranked if the 49-year-old didn’t have a record of completely ignoring Liverpool’s title hopefuls. Because we won 2-1 against Wolves, who are not “close” to their best record. .
Even if Arsenal beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Gary, they would still be seven points behind us.
If Mikel Arteta’s men are considered “title challengers” then so is Liverpool.
