According to a report from Liverpool Echo, Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has pointed out that the Anfield club’s ability to compete with Manchester City, who have secured five of the last six titles, hinges on their defensive improvement in away matches. This observation follows Liverpool’s 3-1 triumph over West Ham United on their home turf.
When asked on whether Liverpool would be able to provide competition to Man City in the title race, Nicol said: “There was a little hiccup with the equaliser but again, three goals, going forward Liverpool are very difficult to stop and if they can sort themselves out defensively, especially away from home, then they might be able to mount a challenge to Manchester City.”
Where Are Liverpool In The Premier League Standings?
Liverpool have now ascended to the second spot in the Premier League standings, after their convincing 3-1 victory over West Ham at Anfield last Sunday. Despite maintaining an undefeated record, the Reds are currently trailing Manchester City by a mere two points, with a total of 16 points from their six matches, featuring one draw and five wins. In contrast, the Sky Blues have secured victories in every single one of their matches this season.
In their upcoming fixture, the Merseyside club will be taking on Tottenham Hotspur, who currently occupy the fourth position in the league. The Reds will be on the road as they head to North London for this away match.
Will Klopp Bring In More Reinforcements In The Backline When The Winter Transfer Window Commences?
Liverpool boast one of the world’s premier defensive lineups, featuring top-tier talents like Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Ibrahima Konate. Nonetheless, the Anfield club heavily depends on these four exceptional players, and it is undeniable that they would find themselves in a challenging situation should any of them sustain injuries or face suspensions.
While Joel Matip serves as a capable substitute for van Dijk and Konate, his recent struggles with injuries have raised concerns. Joe Gomez presents another alternative, but his performance hasn’t been at its peak in recent years. Kostas Tsimikas, although a promising young player, has yet to reach the same level as Robertson and Alexander-Arnold.
Consequently, Liverpool may need to contemplate bolstering their defensive ranks in the near future. Such a move would provide Jurgen Klopp with a broader array of choices and reduce the club’s dependence on a select few players.