Ex-Defender Predicts Arsenal and Manchester City Will Battle for Premier League Crown
Jamie Carragher has expressed doubts over Liverpool’s ability to challenge for the Premier League title this season, despite their strong start under new manager Arne Slot. The former Liverpool defender believes the Reds are not yet on par with Manchester City and Arsenal, predicting that the two clubs will be the main contenders for the championship.
Liverpool appointed Slot as their head coach this summer following the departure of Jurgen Klopp, who stepped down after nearly nine years in charge. Slot has made an impressive start, guiding Liverpool to five wins in their first six matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding just two. However, Carragher remains cautious about their title chances.
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, Carragher said, “I think it’ll be a little bit similar to last season where Liverpool are just slightly behind these two teams [City and Arsenal], and improving. Maybe they’ll really go for it next season when the manager knows everything about his squad and exactly who he wants to bring in.”
Carragher pointed out that Slot has not made significant additions to the squad, apart from signing Federico Chiesa as a squad player and securing goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, likely as a long-term prospect. As a result, he believes Liverpool will finish third behind City and Arsenal this season.
“I think Liverpool are the third-best team,” Carragher added. He highlighted Manchester City’s depth in attack as a crucial advantage, even with the absence of key players like Kevin De Bruyne. “I just look at that attack Manchester City have got. They’ve just got a little bit more in those attacking areas.”
Despite Arsenal’s impressive performance in their recent 2-2 draw with City, Carragher feels that the reigning champions have a slight edge, particularly due to their strength beyond set-pieces.
While Carragher is confident Liverpool can secure a top-four finish, his colleague Gary Neville was more skeptical. Appearing on the Stick to Football show, Neville suggested that Liverpool might struggle to even make the top six, tipping Tottenham Hotspur as a potential surprise package.
“I am not sure [on Liverpool getting top four],” Neville stated, drawing a surprised response from Carragher, who countered, “You say this every season without fail. Bookmark this.”
As Liverpool continues their campaign, speculation about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future has surfaced. Reports suggest that the club is considering Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong as a potential replacement, should the England international depart at the end of his contract. Frimpong, known for his attacking prowess, is said to have a €40 million release clause that will become active next summer.
For now, Liverpool fans will be hoping that Slot can continue to build momentum and possibly challenge the league’s top teams, even if Carragher believes their time for glory may come in the following season.
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