Exclusive: Former Midfielder Claims Liverpool Have ‘Exactly What You Need’ in a Premier League Title Race | OneFootball

Former Liverpool Midfielder Says Arne Slot’s Side Have What it Takes to Win Title

Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Wolves was certainly a nervy one for supporters, but it could truly be a mark of champions.

Whilst Arsenal fans will try to convince you that cracks are starting to show in Liverpool’s title pursuit, the Reds might have shown a whole new dimension to their brilliance. Arne Slot’s side have received a lot of plaudits for their style of play and attacking brilliance, but Sunday showed a level of fight that perhaps hasn’t been needed so far this season.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jermaine Pennant spoke exclusively to Anfield Index and shared his thoughts on the Reds’ title challenge…

Photo: IMAGO

“You Need to Grind it Out”

“There’s going to be games in a season where you just need to grind out the result,” began Pennant, “You’re not always going to have it your own way.”

“In order to win the Premier League, you’ve got to do it. It might not be pretty, but it’s certainly effective.”

Pennant was keen to urge fans to remain relaxed over Liverpool’s performance against Wolves, highlighting it as a sign of champions.

Even in the title-winning season under Jurgen Klopp back in 2019/20, it would be easy to forget the ugly wins against the likes of Sheffield United, Norwich City, Crystal Palace and many more.

Slot’s side have been almost flawless in the Premier League this season, and you’re simply not going to have a 38-game season without needing to grind out a few results.

“Elite Mentality”

“That elite mentality is still there,” continued Pennant, “And that is exactly what you need to have in a Premier League title race.”

“From here, you take results over performances every day of the week!”

That ‘mentality’ was heavily spoke about during Jurgen Klopp’s successful tenure at the club, but similar performances are being responded to with huge nerves with Slot in the dugout.

Photo: IMAGO

However, with the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Alisson Becker all still at the club, Liverpool will maintain that mentality throughout this season’s run-in.

That’s not to mention the likes of the World-Cup winning Alexis Mac Allister, Japan captain Wataru Endo and Ibrahima Konate who has even captained France on occasions.

‘Massive’ Week Ahead

“The next two or three games will be huge for Liverpool,” said Pennant, “The away trips to Aston Villa and Manchester City will be very difficult.”

“The results from those games will have a massive say on the title race.”

A victory at Villa Park on Wednesday would move Liverpool ten points clear of Arsenal, having played one more game. If Slot’s side can manage to win the next three games, then Liverpool would surely have one hand on the Premier League title.

“I think the title is Liverpool’s to lose. Arsenal’s injuries and their tough upcoming games could easily be too much for them,” said Pennant.

Whilst all eyes are on Liverpool’s tricky run of games, Arsenal do have huge games against the likes of Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton coming up.

There’s a long way to go in this title race, but the seven point gap remains a healthy one heading into Liverpool’s trip to Villa Park on Wednesday…