Liverpool have overcome a number of hurdles to start their Premier League campaign without a win. Jürgen Klopp’s team is third in the table, three points behind Manchester City.
Former Liverpool players Joe Cole and Peter Crouch both believe their former club have what it takes to push Manchester City close to the Premier League title this season.
Jürgen Klopp’s side started their campaign without a loss and are currently third in the table with 13 points from a possible 15. They came from behind to beat Wolves 3-1 on Saturday, snapping their poor run into
Wolves deservedly went ahead through Hwang Hee-chan’s early goal, but the Reds were much improved after the break. Cody Gakpo equalized before Andy Robertson’s late strike and a Hugo Bueno own goal secured the points for the visitors at Molineux. Liverpool were predicted by many to start the season slowly after a major squad overhaul, while the last two games were without captain Virgil van Dijk due to suspension. But they have shown character to come from behind to win three times already this season and be level with Tottenham in the table.
Asked on TNT Sports if Liverpool are City’s closest challengers this season, Cole said: “Yes, I think they can push City [closer]. We’re also seeing Arsenal improve so they’re closer.
“As much as I want to give credit to Liverpool for their recruitment and Jurgen Klopp for the job he seems to be doing already – and [Mikel] Arteta at Arsenal –
I think a lot will depend on how City respond. “So far they’ve been brilliant – without winning – in terms of replacing players they’ve left because they’ve let some big players go. They’ve brought in players, how do they fit in? Do players Man City players bring in have as much of an impact as Gundogan who left?
“Because I think the players that Liverpool have brought in will make them better and the Arsenal players will make them better too.
“These two clubs are the ones who will put pressure on Man City and I hope they will for the sake of the Premier League. We can’t just let Man City dominate like they did, it’s great to watch and we give them all the flowers and respect, but we want competition. It looks like this team can push Man City forward.”
Cole was speaking ahead of City’s 3-1 win over West Ham on Saturday. The result saw them continue their ideal start to the season and return to the top of the league.
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Pep Guardiola’s side won a historic Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble last season, backed by Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku, Josko Guardioli and Mateo Kovacic, and look as strong as ever despite the injured Kevin De. Bruyne. “City are clearly the underdogs,” added Crouch.
“City probably have too much, but if you think about how Liverpool played last year and what they did, they are in disarray again.” said the former forward.
Peter Crouch and Joe Cole impressed for
TNT Sports)
“I think Liverpool and Arsenal are the two teams in and around City and, as Joe said, hopefully they will take it in the right direction. There has been great progress from Liverpool this year.”
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