David James is concerned that Liverpool’s habit of dropping points in consecutive Premier League games may continue after their draw against Manchester City.
James was speaking to Sky Sports about the game at the Etihad on Sunday. The former Liverpool goalkeeper said that Jurgen Klopp’s team need to ensure the gap to City doesn’t widen in the coming weeks.
“With Liverpool, the one thing that I was concerned about is that when Liverpool drop points in the Premier League this season, they regularly drop points in the following game,” said James. “Now, if that was to happen then the gap would open.
“Of course that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen, it’s just an interesting observation.”
The Reds’ next Premier League fixture sees them take on Manchester United at Anfield a week today.
On current form, that looks a nice one for Liverpool. But games against United are rarely as straight forward as Liverpool made the return fixture at Old Trafford in October look.
Ralf Rangnick will be hoping his beleaguered team can put James’ theory to the test.
Analysing James’ claim
Sunday was the ninth time Liverpool have dropped points in the Premier League this season. Though you have to go some way back to see whether James is onto anything with his claim.
The last time Liverpool didn’t win before the game with City was way back on January 2nd at Stamford Bridge.
The Reds followed that game up with a 3-0 win over Brentford. However, the two games prior to the draw in West London were a 1-0 loss against Leicester City and a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
In that respect, it looks like James’ claim might have some vaildity. Although it’s worth pointing out the difficult nature of the three consecutive away fixtures. Liverpool were also dealing with an outbreak of Covid at the time.
Going back further, Liverpool followed up a 2-2 home draw against Brighton with the 3-2 loss at West Ham United in Autumn.
Klopp’s side did also drop points in consecutive games the last time they faced City. Having drawn 3-3 with Brentford, Liverpool were then held by Pep Guardiola’s team at Anfield.
Finally, the 1-1 draw with Chelsea in August preceded a 3-0 drubbing of Leeds United.
Interestingly, James does look to have some substance to his claim. Although circumstances and the difficulty of fixtures should be taken into account.
The Reds have two more games before facing United. Klopp will have to rotate his squad to make sure the energy sapping FA Cup semi-final with City just two days before the United game doesn’t turn into a hangover at Anfield.
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