Kieran Gibbs has told The 2 Robbies podcast that he thinks Liverpool will pip Tottenham Hotspur to the final top-four spot in the Premier League, and suggested that most football fans would want that to happen.
The race for the top-four is a fascinating one once again this season. The top two are battling it out for the title. Meanwhile, Manchester United have potentially been dragged back into the race below them after their 7-0 thrashing at Anfield this month.
But it does appear more than likely that Liverpool, Spurs, Newcastle and maybe even Brighton are fighting to finish fourth.
Gibbs backs Liverpool to finish above Tottenham
It is Tottenham who currently have the points on the board. Antonio Conte’s side sit fourth and they got back to winning ways on Saturday. Meanwhile, Newcastle made a statement with a brilliant performance against Wolves yesterday.
The Reds’ push stuttered at the weekend somewhat, with a defeat at Bournemouth. But when asked who he could see taking that final spot, Gibbs – who has certainly been in his fair share of fights for the top-four over the years – backed Jurgen Klopp’s men to get across the line.
And he suggested that many neutrals may want them to get there ahead of Tottenham.
“Yeah I think Liverpool do it. I think Liverpool do it. I would like to see Liverpool in there instead of Spurs to be honest. That’s what I would like to see,” he told The 2 Robbies podcast.
“I feel like most football people will agree that they’re not the exciting team on the eye. That’s just the reality. Even if I wasn’t an Arsenal boy, I’m just a fan of football.
“When you’re competing in Europe on the big stage, you want to see teams that are exciting to watch. Liverpool are obviously having a bit of a down year but they’re such an exciting team with great players and you want to see them playing at the top.”
Top-four spot could open plenty of doors for the Reds this summer
Certainly, most neutrals could not have watched Liverpool’s demolition of Manchester United and felt that Tottenham offer a more exciting brand of football.
It has taken a long time. But it does appear that the Reds are gradually rebuilding. There are promising signs heading into next season, even if there are a few backwards steps along the way.
Booking a ticket to the Champions League would surely accelerate that rebuild given the doors it may open this summer.