Liverpool stay on the high of the Premier League desk, eight factors clear, and regardless of latest setbacks, Dave Hendrick of The Each day Pink podcast on Anfield Index stays assured that Arne Slot’s aspect are nonetheless in command of their very own future. With Arsenal chasing them down, Hendrick dissected Liverpool’s newest performances and addressed key issues from supporters.
Liverpool’s Title Future Stays in Their Fingers
Hendrick dismissed the “doom-mongering” amongst some followers, reiterating that Liverpool are nonetheless in pole place to raise the title. “Not solely did we not lose final evening, we truly prolonged our lead on the high of the desk,” he emphasised. Regardless of latest dropped factors, Hendrick believes Liverpool’s path to the title is evident: “If we win our seven house video games, which means we’d like 5 factors away from house… I’ve mentioned all alongside, 87 factors will probably be greater than sufficient to win the league.”
This calculation places strain on Arsenal to be close to good for the rest of the season. “Anybody that thinks they’re going to win 12 of 13 simply hasn’t been listening to them,” he argued, citing Arsenal’s inconsistency in assault.
Missed Possibilities and Defensive Points: The place Liverpool Fell Quick
Liverpool’s latest draw was irritating, significantly given the alternatives to place the sport to mattress. Hendrick outlined a number of missed possibilities, significantly from Darwin Núñez, who squandered a one-on-one alternative. “Darwin had two huge possibilities—the one the place Salah places it on a plate for him and the one the place he will get in and Martinez comes out… all he must do is flick that ball in subject.” As an alternative, Núñez hesitated, resulting in a missed alternative.
The defensive aspect of the sport additionally stays a speaking level, with Hendrick declaring key vulnerabilities: “Trent just isn’t defending nicely and hasn’t for some time… Andy Robertson’s having a rocky season… we don’t have a defensive midfielder.” Regardless of these weaknesses, he argued that Liverpool’s defensive points are personnel-related somewhat than systemic: “It’s not a system factor—it’s a person factor.”
Arsenal’s Powerful Run-In: Why the Gunners Could Wrestle
A significant a part of Hendrick’s evaluation targeted on Arsenal’s remaining fixtures and their problem in maintaining with Liverpool’s tempo. “The best they will get is 89 factors, which means they’d have to win 12 of their final 13,” he identified, casting doubt on their capability to take care of such a relentless run.
Arsenal’s lack of attacking choices might additionally hinder their title bid. “Not having Saka, Havertz, Martinelli, and Jesus goes to value them—it’s unsustainable,” Hendrick argued, questioning their capability to interrupt down groups over the approaching weeks.
With difficult fixtures towards groups like Manchester United, Newcastle, and Brentford, Hendrick sees slip-ups coming. “They drew at house to Brighton, misplaced at Bournemouth, drew with Fulham, misplaced at Newcastle, drew with Everton… however we draw away to Villa and the sky is falling in for some folks,” he identified, highlighting the hypocrisy in criticism of Liverpool’s outcomes.
Confidence in Liverpool’s Potential to Get Over the Line
Regardless of the frustrations from the final match, Hendrick stays bullish about Liverpool’s possibilities. “We should always have received the sport,” he insisted. “If we take our possibilities, we’re profitable it by two or three targets.” He additionally highlighted the supervisor’s robust strategy: “Arne Slot coached to win final evening. The criticism of him is simply foolish.”
Finally, Hendrick stays satisfied that the Premier League title continues to be inside Liverpool’s management. “We’re nonetheless high of the league—cease the meltdowns,” he mentioned, dismissing the negativity from some quarters.
With Manchester Metropolis up subsequent, the strain is on, however as Hendrick boldly concluded, “We’re going to beat Metropolis on the weekend.”