Liverpool have had some great successes this season, despite their two back-to-back losses.
Arne Slot’s team sit top of the Premier League table after six games, with one more match against Chelsea away from home before the international break.
The Reds, though, lost their first game this season to Crystal Palace 2-1 in a performance that disappointed many fans, given the fact that their side failed to meet the high expectations placed on them.
However, it is an opportunity at Stamford Bridge to try and end a torrid week, which also happened to have a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Liverpool’s focus this season will be to defend and successfully retain their top-flight title but it is too early to tell exactly how the championship picture will look come December.
Ally McCoist changed his Liverpool title prediction because of Dominik Szoboszlai’s Arsenal free kick
However, pundits have been speaking about Arsenal’s boosted title hopes after the poor Palace performance and the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.
Their victory has marked a turning point among football media, with many believing that the chances of Mikel Arteta’s side are increased.
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Ally McCoist had previously said that Liverpool looked like they would retain their title, but has since revealed that when the Reds faced Arsenal, Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick shifted his opinion.
During an interview with talkSPORT, the Scotsman explained that the moment the Hungarian fired it into the back of the net, his mind had changed.
McCoist said: “I think I said to you yesterday, see at the start of the season when we do our predictions I fancy Liverpool, right? I really did. I thought with a window they have had and they’ve strengthened incredibly well.
“But bizarrely after Szoboszlai scored that goal to beat Arsenal, I have a sneaky wee feeling for Arsenal. I just think defensively, I look at two centre backs, even Mosquera, who came on at the centre back. I like him. David Raya is a good goalie. I just worry about Liverpool if they lost Alisson or, particularly van Dijk.
“I think we are in for a brilliant season.”
Liverpool’s Arsenal victory will become more relevant as the season goes on
It was a great victory when Slot’s side snatched the 1-0 win and showed that when the set-up was correct and it was time to tough it out, the Merseyside club were ready to answer the call.
The losses to Palace and Galatasaray were down to a lack of energy and a difference in set-up, but once the Reds sort that out, it should be fine.
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That Arsenal victory is the blueprint of how to dig deep and defend against a side that can, on occasions, bring that attacking pressure, but it is a game that will be looked back on as a big moment in the race for the title.
It is too early to predict much about the race itself; however, a win against your most likely rivals for the trophy that early on is the edge that is needed to push on in this league.
A result against Chelsea at the weekend is a necessity, but as long as the team gets through it, a break is perfect for them, so Slot can work on what he is missing.
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