Pep Guardiola has given his thoughts on the possibility of a Liverpool title challenge this season.
The Reds have been the side to give Pep’s Manchester City the biggest headache since his time in England. Not only did they steal the league from them in 2019/20, but they also ran them to the last day on two other occasions.
Last year was an outlier in that regard, with Liverpool well off the pace in fifth. But asked in his press conference today whether he thought last year’s runners-up Arsenal could challenge again, Guardiola also threw his old rivals into the mix.
“Absolutely [Arsenal are contenders], among Liverpool from what I’ve seen,” said the Spaniard.
“But to analyse who is the title contenders, the idea is the first 10 games. Now we didn’t even play 10 so we have to wait, but the big clubs will always be contenders and Arsenal is, of course.”
Guardiola bigs Liverpool up
If you’d have asked Liverpool fans at the start of the season, not too many would have predicted a title challenge.
It was only two seasons ago that the Reds were a whisker away from winning all four major trophies. But after a humbling year, expectations have been managed conisiderably.
After a successful summer window and a very good start to the season though, answers may be different now.
They might have missed the chance to go top of the table last weekend, but Liverpool have shown enough that they could well be right up there again.
Although they’ve lost a number of experienced players from the squad, the Reds still have a fair amount of those who have gone all the way with City three times.
That experience could do them good again, as they look to usurp Arsenal as the main threat to the champions.
This weekend represents another chance for Liverpool to go top of the table. With Arsenal and City meeting. If that game ends in a draw, the Reds could overtake both with a big win at Brighton. All to play for.
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