“That’s a factor”- Gary Neville believes one man is keeping Liverpool in Premier League title race

Football legend Gary Neville on how Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is the reason behind the Reds’ possible title run

While Gary Neville touts Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as an influential “factor” in the Premier League title race, his latest comments subtly discredit and diminish the Reds’ credentials as genuine contenders this season.

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, Neville suggested Liverpool could remain in the mix due to Klopp’s proven winning pedigree. However, he designated Arsenal and Manchester City as the frontrunners in his view.

Despite Liverpool’s dramatic and almost table-topping 4-3 win over Fulham on Sunday, Neville overlooked the Reds in declaring he wants to see Arsenal and City “go toe-to-toe” in the run-in again.

“Liverpool I’m not sure about but then they’ve got Klopp, so I think that’s a factor because he can win and he’s proven he can win.”

 I think Arsenal have got what it takes to win a league I think that group of players are very good. There’s a lot to play for but the more points dropped, the more confidence Arsenal will gain.

What I would want to see is Arsenal and City in a run-in again, if Liverpool are there as well it becomes a three-horse race – great – but usually in the end, it becomes two. If it’s Arsenal and Manchester City again, it’ll be interesting to see how Arsenal handle it – I do feel like they’ll handle it.”

While namechecking Jurgen Klopp as a difference-maker, his analysis indicates a clear disrespect for Liverpool’s capabilities otherwise. Neville remains unconvinced the Reds can replicate their recent title-challenging form over a full campaign.

From a Liverpool perspective, Neville’s indirect doubt comes across as tone-deaf following the Reds’ consistent run this campaign. To imply this squad lacks the quality or commitment to challenge feels misguided.

Klopp may represent the crucial binding agent given his trophy-winning resume. But Liverpool undeniably boast elite game-changing veterans like Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and young guns like Trent Alexander Arnold and others who have conquered peaks before.

Liverpool sit just two points behind Arsenal and one point above City. Yet Neville classes Arsenal as more equipped “mentally and physically” to handle the mounting pressure based purely on last season’s collapse.

But Liverpool know exactly what it takes to withstand a title race grind after multiple epic duels with Pep Guardiola’s side. Arsenal must still prove they can backs-to-the-wall like the Reds have.

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Make no mistake – if Liverpool remain within touching distance after Christmas, they will be a formidable foe for Arsenal and City as spring approaches. Count them out at your peril.