Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp names Liverpool as the biggest Premier League title threat for his club over Manchester City
Dennis Bergkamp has claimed that Liverpool are the biggest Premier League title threat for Arsenal ahead of Manchester City. Bergkamp insisted that Liverpool have the depth in the squad to muster a formidable challenge against the current league leaders.
The Gunners are currently one point ahead of Liverpool while Man City lies in fourth place, just five points behind. Last season, Arsenal went eight points clear of the Citizens in April but lost the Premier League title eventually. During that time, the Reds struggled with poor performances, losing out of the Champions League qualification for this season.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp let go of many long-serving players who regressed past their prime years last season. The 56-year-old used the summer transfer window to recruit many talented midfielders, reshaping the senior team squad.
Klopp called the new-look squad “Liverpool 2.0” with Virgil van Dijk serving as the new captain of the senior team. The Reds have usually maintained a smaller squad depth compared to their rivals due to differences in spending power.
However, the current squad seems well-stacked despite issues in the defensive department after a season-ending injury to Joel Matip. Liverpool currently have a few more injury concerns involving Andy Robertson, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Thiago.
Speaking to the Seaman Says podcast (h/t Metro), Bergkamp highlighted Liverpool as Arsenal’s main threat due to the squad’s quality. He said:
“I think Liverpool. I’ve got a funny feeling I saw that game against United and they showed the bench and they showed the two players who were coming on and I was like ‘oh wait, they’ve got him and him and him’”
Despite the frustrating 0-0 draw against Manchester United last Sunday, the Reds dominated the game from start to finish. Liverpool are yet to reach their top gear this season but they have managed to grind positive results.
The biggest issue that they have faced is conceding goals first due to lapses in concentration usually in the first half. Out of 15 goals they conceded in the Premier League, four came from an error, one being an own goal.
Meanwhile, the Reds’ forward line has received criticism for wasting too many big chances due to a lack of composure. Nonetheless, Liverpool have enjoyed good goal-scoring form, already finding the net 36 times from 17 matches.
"Liverpool might be a little bit short of winning the Premier League title!" – @Carra23 pic.twitter.com/f4KJO5yTM7
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 21, 2023
Klopp has deployed vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold as an inverted right-back, giving him the freedom to create from the central area. The tactical formation has its pros and cons, at times the ripple effect causes issues for players in other positions.
The lack of overlapping fullback leaves no one to stretch the opponent’s defence wide, creating congestion in the attacking third. Liverpool forwards have enjoyed more freedom when Trent played as a number six while Joe Gomez played at right-back.
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Despite looking like a serious threat for the Premier League title, Klopp needs to address certain issues in the team. We’re yet to see if the Liverpool boss will utilize the January window to strengthen their chances by recruiting a centre-back and a right-back.
