Jurgen Klopp exit theory emerges as Arsenal star gives Liverpool verdict
The fall-out from Liverpool's weekend defeat to Arsenal has been significant, with questions being asked about the Reds' title credentials after what was only their second league loss of the season.
Jurgen Klopp's side felt the absence of several key players in their 3-1 reverse in North London. They went in level at the break despite not being at their best, but were unable to stop their opponents clinching victory with two goals in the final 25 minutes.
Liverpool are still top of the table after the result, but rivals Arsenal closed the gap to two points. Both teams have challenging fixtures on the horizon, as do fellow title contenders Manchester City, with Liverpool and City due to face off in early March.
As well as the result at the Emirates Stadium itself, a lot of talk today has surrounded Jurgen Klopp's January announcement about his Liverpool exit. Here are the latest lines from around Anfield.
Klopp quit theory comes to light
It has been suggested that Jurgen Klopp accelerated his decision to leave Liverpool after becoming confident his players had the goods to move forward without him. The German made the decision to leave before the expiry of his contract, and after a significant summer overhaul to his squad.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch all arrived during the summer window, with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Fabinho leaving the Reds' midfield ranks. And now, according to The Telegraph, Klopp is satisfied the squad have hit new heights ahead of schedule.
"It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy," Klopp said in his message to fans upon announcing his decision to leave. "I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again."
Read more here
Supercomputer predicts league title destination
Jurgen Klopp would surely love nothing more than to end his final Liverpool season with a trophy. The Premier League title is an obvious goal, but Sunday's defeat to Arsenal has put the ball back in Manchester City's court, with a supercomputer backing the reigning champions to defend their title.
Who are you backing to win the title? Have your say in the comments section
Liverpool were masters of their own downfall against Arsenal (PA)The calculations, from OCB Sports, were made before City's match against Brentford on Monday night. Pep Guardiola's side are tipped to finish on 87 points, two below their tally from last season but one clear of Klopp's Liverpool.
Arsenal are tipped to take third place, though the supercomputer expects them to be further behind City than last season. Aston Villa are also expected to claim a top four finish, with Spurs fifth and Manchester United sixth.
Read more here
Arsenal star Rice gives Liverpool verdict
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice believes Liverpool have been the best team in the Premier League this season despite Sunday's game going the way of the Gunners. Liverpool knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup in January, but failed to get the better of the London side in either league meeting.
They have been the best team in the league if you look on paper and statistically, this is only their second loss today," Rice told beIN Sports. "We knew how big today was going into the game, the momentum needed from everyone, staff, players and fans and it transmitted on to the field today.
Liverpool urged to rival Arsenal for summer target and told three stars must go
"You could see for 90 minutes it was a team that would do anything to win a football match. In the end, we came out victorious and it is a very good feeling all round.”
Read more here
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
