Will Liverpool be able to keep up with Manchester City in the Premier League title race?
The Premier League is off to a thrilling start this season, with defending champions Manchester City sitting two points clear at the top of the table. Liverpool have also enjoyed a good start to the season, winning their first five games and sitting just two points behind City. However, Peter Schemichel does not expect City to face much of a challenge for the title this season, giving Arsenal the best chance, but not much of a hope.
Liverpool’s Defensive Weakness
It was an exciting game at Molineux on Saturday, thanks in part to how open Jurgen Klopp’s side were in the first half, when they were fortunate to only be 1-0 behind. They regrouped and were impressive in the second half, but Schmeichel believes their defensive weakness is going to cost them as the campaign develops.
‘I don’t think they [Liverpool] can [keep up with Manchester City]. I don’t think [they can],’ the former Manchester United goalkeeper told Premier League productions. ‘If there is a team, it might be Arsenal – but that is a big might.’
‘I don’t think anyone can stay with Man City, we were just looking at that line-up today and you look at their back four, how are you gonna compete with that? [Kyle] Walker, [Ruben] Dias, [Manuel] Akanji and [Josko] Gvardiol – how can you compete with that? You can’t match it, and Liverpool for sure can’t match it. I agree with you. They are very, very vulnerable at the back.’
Liverpool hero Steve McManaman is expecting an entertaining season from his former club, but also sees their defence – which has only conceded four goals in five games – will cost them.
‘They’re going to get interesting, exciting matches because they are vulnerable at the back,’ he said. ‘It’s gonna be a ride watching Liverpool this year because it’s gonna be a lot of ups and downs. They’re going to concede goals aplenty.’
Conclusion
It looks like Manchester City will be tough to beat this season and it may be too much for Liverpool to keep up with them. While Liverpool have made a good start to the season, their defensive weakness could prove costly as the campaign progresses. It will be an exciting season for Liverpool fans as they look to challenge for the title, but they may have to settle for second place.