Liverpool are top of the Premier League and have won nine of their first 10 games in all competitions under Arne Slot, but some pundits are still unconvinced about the Reds.
The manager drew attention to his side’s tremendous start to the campaign by pointing out that, on paper, they have yet to face their toughest fixture requirements, with Nottingham Forest – who won at Anfield – sitting in 10th place. He is the highest ranked player I have ever met in the top flight.
BBC says football daily In the podcast, Rick Edwards predicted that LFC’s fortunes will worsen further as they face higher-caliber opposition.
Edwards expects Liverpool to gain ‘safe haven’.
The presenter argued: “I don’t mean to be inciting, but I think Liverpool will go into hiding as soon as they play a good team.”
His inflammatory comments prompted a shocked response from fellow pundit Nigel Reo-Coker, who simply replied ‘wow’ to Edwards’ doomsday prediction.
Liverpool’s defensive record suggests otherwise
Of course, Liverpool have probably had a relatively good start to the season given the opposition they have faced, with recent wins over Wolves and Crystal Palace (20th and 18th respectively) having been a struggle.
However, it is still disingenuous for Edwards to claim that the Reds will get a ‘fashion’ when they play top-tier teams or high-quality opposition in the Champions League.
Regardless of which team they have played for so far, conceding just two goals in seven top-tier matches (four in ten across all competitions) is an incredible record, and it certainly doesn’t mean LFC will be going into it. It will collapse soon.
The one game we lost this season was against Forest, losing 1-0. Forrest deserves plenty of praise as he starts his campaign.
Yes, Liverpool face a bigger test than they have faced so far. It will take something special to get the maximum points from the proposed 12 against Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa when the Premier League resumes later this month. But everything so far indicates that they will confidently meet this challenge head on.
If anything, Edwards may have unintentionally done us a favor with his comments. This should provide the perfect motivation for Slot and his players to continue leading the way in the Premier League and give the critics a slice of humble pie!
