Liverpool's Crisis Deepens as Title Hopes Fade
Liverpool's worrying run of form escalated into a full-blown crisis on Saturday as Arne Slot's champions suffered a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. This emphatic loss means the Reds have now lost six of their last seven Premier League matches, despite spending almost £450 million in the transfer market last summer.
Previously considered title favourites, Liverpool have plummeted to 11th position in the table, sitting a staggering 11 points behind leaders Arsenal. While many pundits have written off Liverpool's championship chances, former Anfield captain Graeme Souness maintains a different perspective.
Souness Defends Liverpool's Title Credentials
Speaking on talkSPORT, Souness surprised many by including Liverpool among the contenders who could potentially deny Arsenal their first Premier League title since 2004. 'Anything can happen in our league,' Souness declared. 'I have worked in big leagues abroad, and I tell you, our league is by far the most demanding league anywhere.'
The Scottish pundit explained his reasoning, emphasising the unique pressures of English football. 'Big clubs don't get a rest. So it's still very much on for three or four teams, and I have to include Liverpool, because I know the way the crowd react there. They won't give up on the team.'
Arsenal legend Martin Keown expressed scepticism about Liverpool's chances, interjecting: 'They'll have to win virtually every game this season...' Souness acknowledged the challenge but stood by his assessment. 'I'm not a betting man, I wouldn't bet on them, but I think it would be mad to bet against them unless you're a really keen gambler.'
The Wider Premier League Title Picture
While Souness didn't specify all teams in his 'three or four' contenders, the current league table provides clear indications. Chelsea currently sit as Arsenal's closest challengers in second place, showing promising development under Enzo Maresca after winning the Conference League and Club World Cup.
Manchester City, despite a 2-1 weekend loss to Newcastle United and inconsistent form under Pep Guardiola, remain a formidable force that must be respected in any title conversation.
The current Premier League title odds reflect the market's perception:
- Arsenal: 2/5
- Manchester City: 3/1
- Chelsea: 16/1
- Liverpool: 22/1
- Manchester United: 50/1
Meanwhile, Arsenal enjoy a brilliant season under Mikel Arteta, sitting six points clear at the Premier League summit and joint-top of their Champions League group.
Pressure Mounts on Liverpool Manager
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy suggested that Arne Slot should forget about titles and focus on preserving his job. 'The expectation is higher because of the amount of money invested was huge, even for Liverpool,' Murphy told BBC Sport.
He highlighted the severe underperformance of Liverpool's squad, noting that only Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Andy Robertson have approached last season's levels. Murphy advised Slot to make tough selection decisions and return to defensive basics rather than contemplating championship ambitions.
As the Premier League season approaches its midway point, the title race appears increasingly intriguing, with Arsenal establishing themselves as firm favourites while traditional powers like Liverpool and Manchester City face unexpected challenges.
