Most Liverpool fans have likely given up hope of winning back-to-back Premier League titles after falling into a slump during the early part of this season.
The Reds had looked like clear favourites to go again after spending huge amounts of money over the summer transfer window.
But things soon fell apart for Arne Slot’s team, who have been left 10 points behind leaders Arsenal with 22 matches left to play.
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“It just doesn’t seem like he trusts him [Chiesa]. I know when they lost at Plymouth, Slot was furious with Chiesa.”
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Liverpool have begun to pick up form slightly heading into Christmas, however, and should be confident of getting a result against Tottenham on Saturday.
According to former Reds full-back Steve Nicol, if they can do that, Liverpool just might have a chance of pulling themselves back into an unlikely Premier League title race.
Liverpool capable of putting pressure on Arsenal
The clash with Tottenham is easily Liverpool’s most difficult fixture of the festive period. After their trip to London, the Reds play home games against Wolves and then Leeds.
As a result, if they win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Liverpool could realistically be looking at four Premier League wins on the bounce.
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With Arsenal on the agenda in January, Nicol has claimed that if Liverpool can win their games, they may have a chance and re-entering the title race going into the head-to-head against the Gunners.
“I’m a little worried. It’s given me cause for concern that we’re going to Tottenham and I think ‘we can’t lose to this Tottenham side’. But then I’ve thought that a few times this season. The closer the game gets I’m thinking we possibly could!” the pundit told ESPN FC.
“I think this is a big game for Liverpool. After the Spurs game they’ve got Wolves, they’ve got Leeds. They’ve got Arsenal coming soon but they’ve also got Burnley. Liverpool could win the next three or four games – and should win them on paper – and put themselves in a position where if they beat Arsenal then maybe they’re back in it.”
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“That feels strange to say because I just don’t feel as though Liverpool will be in the title race, which means they’re not going to put themselves in that position by the time they play Arsenal!
“I’m really all over the shop, this Liverpool side makes you go all over the place. I just know that Liverpool are sometimes capable of beating themselves. I’m going to say Liverpool win the game but there’s always that little bit of doubt because of what we’ve seen from them this season.”
Who are Arsenal playing in the meantime?
Although things are looking better for Liverpool, they have shown many times this season that just because they’re expected to win a game, it doesn’t mean that they will.
Nevertheless, they really should be beating both Wolves and Leeds at Anfield, meaning there is a fair amount riding on the Tottenham game.
Getting back towards the top of the table will also rely on Arsenal dropping points, though, so it is crucial to look at the Gunners’ fixtures in the meantime.
Before playing Liverpool, Mikel Arteta’s team face Everton away, Brighton then Aston Villa at home and Bournemouth away. Winnable games, but none of them look especially straightforward either.
Should Arsenal drop points, and Liverpool take their maximum, things could indeed be interesting when the Reds head to the Emirates on January 8th. One step at a time, though, first let’s box off another win in North London.