Sutton: Liverpool will challenge Man City for the title this season

[TLW]

Chris Sutton believes that Liverpool’s stirring win against Newcastle can be the catalyst for a title challenge this season.

 

Liverpool overcame the sending-off of Virgil Van Dijk in the 28th minute and a erratic first-half performance from another key player in Trent Alexander-Arnold to claim their second three points of the season with ten men.

 

It is the first time that Liverpool have had back to back red cards in the Premier League since March/April 2015 (against Man Utd and Arsenal) and in the following 139 league games prior to last Saturday, have only had two sending offs in total.

 

Many questioned what kind of Liverpool we would see this season after a steep decline in performance where they slipped out of the top four and if this team had played their best football under Jürgen Klopp.

 

What did happen during the summer was a large turnover of players that were large part of the golden era of success.

 

While it is always tough to see favourites depart, it is a necessary part to evolve and begin a new cycle.

 

Last season Sutton was one of more vocal critics of Klopp in the media, wondering whether his tank was empty, questioning whether he had a Plan B and very critical of his behaviour on the touchline.

 

While it is exceptionally (and some would say unreasonably early) to make lasting statements to carry through into the following nine months, the former Blackburn and Celtic striker told the BBC Monday Night Club that he likes the spirit and signs of intent that he sees from Liverpool.

 

“I think in terms of, they went down to 10 men at Bournemouth last week and saw them off pretty well, but to do it at Newcastle, I thought that was a major statement.

 

“They are probably the ones who I think can push Manchester City the most.

 

“I still think City will win the Premier League, but Liverpool needed that yesterday and will go from strength to strength - if they can keep hold of Mohamed Salah."

 

What gives Sutton some cause for optimism regarding Liverpool’s chances is the talent of their front line.

 

 

“If you look at Liverpool's frontline and the fact they can leave Jota [and Nunez] on the bench, that's a formidable frontline.

 

"It's hard to think of another team in the Premier League who have that strength in depth.

 

"Diaz was out for a large part of last season, Jota was out, Salah has always been super reliable. Nunez, it was a strange season, but you saw signs there was player there.

 

“You wonder if the nature of [Nunez's] goals, with both goals clinically taken, if that will give him the boost and really kick Liverpool on. He's physically strong, he can run, he looks a handful."

 

Sutton also believed the incoming talent was an upgrade of those who departed.

 

“We've all spoken about Liverpool's signings, Szoboszlai and Mac Allister. They're an upgrade on Henderson and Fabinho - Liverpool have a more creative midfield."

 

 

 

 

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[Pete]

I'll have what he's smoking. 

[VladimirIlyich]

Steady on Chris. We will be in with a chance due to a world class manager,his staff and a squad with several successful players in it. Also the best GK we've probably ever had. All that said,we are a couple of injuries or suspensions away from scrapping for a CL place again.

[Olddantucker]

Sadly for us, "a couple" of injuries is the optimistic scenario.

[Bobby Hundreds]

Based on that game yesterday! We won't challenge city with this flimsy set up unless they find a solution in the transfer market or change how we play. Top 4 yeah but challenge city no chance.

[etho]

...I've always liked Chris Sutton, despite what I said earlier

[magicrat]

Await the “City are unstoppable “ mantra from him as soon as we lose a game

[CrownPaints]

2 hours ago, magicrat said:

Await the “City are unstoppable “ mantra from him as soon as we lose a game

This, his (and most) punditry seems to change on a weekly basis based on the last game they watched.

 

Stealing a living!

[Mook]

Satan will be ice skating to work before that fanny says anything remotely worth listening to.

[Toxteth O'Grady]

Sutton is a ludicrous beetroot farmer who's never been right about anything.

[TheSire]

12 hours ago, Pete said:

I'll have what he's smoking. 

Chuckled heartily at this.

[BeefStroganoff]

No chance. Our window is so bad RAWK have spent the last 6 hours talking about biscuits.

[Dicko]

Scab cunt.

Even before I found out he was from Nottingham.

Then I did.

Scab cunt.

[Section_31]

They probably get sent out to spout this stuff by telly companies that want to keep you watching, as saying City - and soon Newcastle - have insurmountable wealth and will win everything forever isn't the same draw. 

 

I'm genuinely thinking of starting a Kabaddi thread. 

[Pidge]

10 minutes ago, Section_31 said:

I'm genuinely thinking of starting a Kabaddi thread. 

Could take off, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

[magicrat]

On 30/08/2023 at 00:02, BeefStroganoff said:

No chance. Our window is so bad RAWK have spent the last 6 hours talking about biscuits.

Seems a more satisfying option to me