“Don’t Rule Them Out” – Former Man City Star Tips Liverpool for Bold Premier League Title Challenge | OneFootball

Former Manchester City Star Tips Liverpool as Potential Premier League Title Winners

Arne Slot’s impressive start to life at Liverpool has caught the eye of many with the Reds currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table. Whether it be the demolition of Manchester United at Old Trafford or the resilient victory at Wolves on Saturday, Liverpool seemingly just keep finding different ways to pull through and pick up points.

This impressive run of form has already had neutrals and pundits regretting their pre-season predictions tipping the Reds for a poor campaign and even leaving some suggesting that Slot’s side could be title contenders. I spoke exclusively to former Manchester City defender Richard Dunne, who had his say on Liverpool’s impressive start…

Photo: IMAGO

‘I Wouldn’t Rule Them Out’

When asked which club was the biggest threat to Manchester City’s bid for the Premier League title, Dunne wasn’t hesitant to point out the impressive performances of the Reds. “I think Liverpool can,” pointed out the former Premier League defender.

Dunne was also quick to point out the impact that new head coach Arne Slot has already had on Liverpool, in all aspects of their play: “Slot has them playing some really nice football. Really good going forward and they look really solid at the back. So I definitely wouldn’t rule them out.”

Such praise is hard to deny, with Liverpool sitting top of the Premier League table with five wins from their opening six games. Only two teams (Manchester City and Chelsea) have scored more goals than the Reds, whilst no side has conceded fewer goals than Liverpool’s two. The nearest competitors for the best defence are Arsenal, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest – who have all conceded five goals.

Liverpool’s brilliant run of form extends further than just the Premier League too. Slot has already guided them to a huge 3-1 away victory against AC Milan at the San Siro, as well as a 5-1 demolition of West Ham United in the Carabao Cup. It’s clear to see why the Reds are early contenders to challenge this season.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s Reds Still to be Tested

However, despite praising the Reds’ start to the season, Dunne also reminded that they are yet to truly be tested by a tricky fixture schedule: “I do think that they’ve had a favourable run of fixtures to start the season though, so we will really see what they’re made of when they come into a really tricky run of games.”

Liverpool are certainly to get said ‘tricky run of fixtures’ with a long list of huge matches coming up over the next two months. Upon their return from the upcoming October international break, Liverpool’s fixture schedule sees them come up against:

Sunday 20th October – Chelsea (H) – Premier League

Wednesday 23rd October – RB Leipzig (A) – Champions League

Sunday 27th October – Arsenal (A) – Premier League

Wednesday 30th October – Brighton (A) – Carabao Cup

Saturday 2nd November – Brighton (H) – Premier League

Tuesday 5th November – Bayer Leverkusen (H) – Champions League

Saturday 9th November – Aston Villa (H) – Premier League

Sunday 24th November – Southampton (A) – Premier League

Wednesday 27th November – Real Madrid (H) – Champions League

Sunday 1st December – Manchester City (H) – Premier League

Wednesday 4th December – Newcastle United (A) – Premier League

Saturday 7th December – Everton (A) – Premier League

Judging by that run of game, Arne Slot’s side’s quality and depth will certainly be tested to it’s absolute limits. However, the best sides find ways to deal with such runs and quite simply, to be the best you must beat the best.

I have no doubt that Slot will be looking forward to the challenge of facing these clubs and really finding out what his Liverpool side are capable of. Either way, Liverpool fans should be really encouraged and excited by what they’ve seen from the Reds so far this season and long may it continue!