Neville: 'Only Liverpool is capable of usurping Man City's throne'

Former defender Gary Neville believes Arsenal cannot compete with Man City in the Premier League, instead it is Liverpool.

According to Neville, a team that wants to do like Man City needs a squad of quality players and a talented coach, and only Liverpool can meet these conditions.

"The only team that has shown this in recent years is Liverpool," he said. "I know Arsenal have come close to winning the title this season, but only Liverpool have a better chance. They have played below their ability this season, but who knows, they will be back to their level next season."

Forward Mohamed Salah (red shirt) in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Man City in the Premier League on October 16, 2022 at Anfield. Photo: Reuters — Forward Mohamed Salah (red shirt) in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Man City in the Premier League on October 16, 2022 at Anfield. Photo: *Reuters*

Liverpool beat Man Utd 7-0 this season, but are at risk of seeing their opponents snatch their place in the Champions League next season. Jurgen Klopp's team also has a midfield crisis, with injuries to Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Arthur Melo and Stefan Bajcetic making them unstable without them. They are regaining form with a 10-match unbeaten streak, including a seven-match winning streak, but it seems too late to return to the Champions League.

Liverpool are the only team to stop Man City from winning the Premier League for six consecutive seasons, when they won the 2019-2020 season with 99 points, 18 points more than Man City. Last season, Klopp's team also chased Man City until the last round, even the last half, but still finished behind with one point less.

Man City have spent most of this season second in the table, but a run of 12 wins has seen them leapfrog Arsenal back to the top and win the title with three games to spare. Arsenal have the second youngest squad in the league, behind Southampton, but pundits do not think they can continue to challenge Man City next season.

Former midfielder Robbie Savage thinks so, saying Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea will do it for Arsenal. However, he doesn't think these three teams can actually topple Man City. "They need to get around 95 points to have any hope," said the former Wales international.

Chelsea are firmly in the bottom half of the table this season, behind three other London teams including Fulham, Brentford and Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Man Utd only need one more point from their remaining two games to secure a place in the Top 4.

The 2022-2023 Premier League title race is over, but the European Cup spots and relegation are not yet closed. But if there are no big surprises, Man City, Arsenal, Newcastle and Man Utd will play in the Champions League, Liverpool and Brighton will play in the Europa League, Aston Villa will play in the Conference League, and Everton will have a chance to stay in the league.

Hoang An

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