Liverpool’s title hopes are seeming more and more unlikely. The Reds lost 1-0 to a heavily weakened Leicester City side, lacking any real threat. With a busy fixture schedule ahead, do Liverpool have what it takes to catch up to Manchester City?
Liverpool’s Title Hopes Take A Massive Hit
World-Class Attack
Jurgen Klopp’s side have had a great start to the season, thrashing sides such as Manchester United and Arsenal. Mohamed Salah has led Liverpool’s line-up with 21 goal contributions this season in the Premier League alone. However, he hasn’t been the only scored. Even when Salah isn’t firing, Liverpool can rely on Diogo Jota, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino to step up when needed.
Jurgen Klopp’s system heavily relies on the full-backs to contribute to the scoring as well. Andy Robertson and Alexander-Arnold have assisted more than 25% of Liverpool’s goals this season. However, they have also been disciplined defensively. Fabinho has played an instrumental role in helping the defence too this season, dropping back when needed. With the return of Virgil Van Dijk in Liverpool’s defence, the Reds have managed ten clean sheets so far in the league.
Unstoppable Manchester City Side
Jurgen Klopp has created one of the best sides ever seen in the Premier League. However, he has had to compete with another elite-level squad, Manchester City. Since Pep Guardiola took over the Manchester side in 2016, the club has dominated the Premier League. The Spanish manager has the capability to spend more money than most teams and he seems to have a knack for making smart investments, bringing in the likes of Ruben Dias and Rodri. Liverpool are simply unable to compete with teams such as Manchester City and Chelsea in the transfer market.
Manchester City are currently sat top of the Premier League with a comfortable gap over Liverpool and Chelsea. Despite not having a striker, Pep’s side haven’t been shy in front of goal. Bernardo Silva has shone for Manchester City this season. He has been one of the standout players and is very rarely dropped.
Other Competitions
Although Liverpool’s squad depth has improved compared to recent years, it is still far from other sides. Liverpool are set to lose even more players when AFCON starts. Salah, Mane and Naby Keita will all be leaving to participate in the AFCON on January 3rd, meaning they will miss some crucial ties.
Furthermore, Liverpool are still in the Carabao Cup and will take on Arsenal in January. Chelsea are also still in the competition whereas Manchester City were eliminated by West Ham United, giving them time to rest.
Liverpool also have the toughest tie in the Champions League knockout stages. The Reds will face Inter Milan who are currently top of the Serie A. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Chelsea have much easier ties when they will face Sporting Lisbon and LOSC Lille respectively.
It’s clear Liverpool have a very tough road ahead of them and they can’t afford to drop many more points. If they do, it is very unlikely that they’ll be able to catch up to Manchester City.
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