Owen explains how Liverpool got its ‘wish’ as Klopp handed title advantage
Owen explains how Liverpool got its ‘wish’ as Klopp handed title advantage
The former Liverpool striker believes the Reds, and others, may have benefited in the title race following the weekend’s results, with Arsenal beating Man City.
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has highlighted the significance of Manchester City’s recent defeat to Arsenal, stating that it provides a major boost for Liverpool’s title ambitions.
The Premier League champions suffered a 1-0 loss to Arsenal, marking their first back-to-back defeats in the league since December 2018. Owen believes that Liverpool and other top teams would have been pleased with the result as it brings the title race closer.
Reflecting on the match, Owen expressed his thoughts during an interview with Premier League Productions. He said: “I think it is (a good result). I think for the rest of the Premier League. The likes of Liverpool, and even Tottenham, who often don’t support Arsenal in a game.
“But Man City are the team to beat this season. To take points off them brings everyone close together. I think, most of the neutrals, we have some big teams in the Premier League. They have their eyes on the prize and they probably wanted Arsenal to win today. And they got their wish.”
Owen’s analysis suggests that Liverpool and other teams have their eyes on the prize and would have wanted Arsenal to secure a victory against Manchester City. The defeat leaves City in third place, two points behind Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, and just one point ahead of Liverpool.
While Owen acknowledges the competitiveness of the Premier League title race, his fellow pundits recognize some of Liverpool’s vulnerabilities. Alan Shearer and Gary Neville have previously highlighted concerns about Liverpool’s defensive fragilities and lack of strength in the holding midfield position. These factors could potentially hinder Liverpool’s chances of mounting a successful title challenge.
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Despite their recent 2-2 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion, where they relinquished a two-goal lead, Liverpool remains determined to close the gap at the top of the table. The international break provides an opportunity for players to regroup and refocus before returning to domestic action.
Liverpool.com says: A draw between Arsenal and Manchester City might have been slightly more beneficial to Liverpool, but there’s no doubt that a defeat for Pep Guardiola’s side adds much more intrigue to this season’s title race, and for Jürgen Klopp as he looks to get the Reds back into contention after last season.
There is, of course, a long way to go, and City does have the annoying habit of hitting top gear during the second half of the season, but if Liverpool can keep pace with the current top three, they might well be in the equation for the title. If one side had to win, it is more beneficial for the Reds that it was Arsenal.
January additions will be key, and Liverpool has some clear areas that need addressing, but with City not firing on all cylinders in recent games, it does offer hope that they won’t romp to yet another title this season.
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