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Paul Merson says Liverpool have a flaw that makes them ‘a bit like Arsenal’
Liverpool and Arsenal will be determined to finally dethrone Manchester City as Premier League champions this season.
The Reds are the only team to have stopped City from winning seven titles in a row, while the Gunners have been Pep Guardiola’s main rivals the last two seasons.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City contested an exhilarating race for the title last year, but the Reds dropped off in mid-April while the Gunners took it to the last day of the season.
This season, Liverpool will hope to give Arne Slot the best possible maiden season at Anfield, while Arsenal will hope it’s a case of third time lucky.
However, Paul Merson has now spoken of a potential flaw that makes Liverpool “a bit like Arsenal” and could hinder them in the title race.
READ MORE: Liverpool set to beat Tottenham and smash £150m barrier in advanced off-pitch talks
Liverpool and Arsenal ‘top four at best’ with ‘two or three injuries’
Merson, writing on , believes Liverpool and Arsenal both have superb first-choice XIs, but any injuries could derail them severely.
“If Liverpool don’t win the Premier League this year, they’re not going to win with the same players next year, and they will need to make changes,” wrote the Highbury legend.
“Liverpool are a bit like Arsenal – if they keep their players fit, they are major challengers. If they have two or three injuries to deal with, they’ll compete for the top four at best.”
Strength in depth will be key in title race
Sadly – for Liverpool and Arsenal fans – Merson has a good point. Not only do City have a brilliant first-choice XI, but their strength in depth is ridiculous too.
This makes them nigh-on unbeatable in the latter stages of the season, when injuries, suspension and fatigue tend to take their toll.
Liverpool’s summer transfer activity hasn’t exactly filled fans with confidence, so it remains to be seen how they will fare in the title race this season.
This may be a season of transition for the new Anfield manager and his charges.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have been fully focused on bringing in strength in depth. Their defence is now especially impressive, with Riccardo Calafiori arriving and Jurrien Timber being fit again.