As Liverpool edge closer to a potential Premier League title, club legend John Aldridge has issued a stark warning to Arne Slot’s side.
With Arsenal’s maximum points tally standing at 83, the Gunners remain in contention, but Liverpool has the advantage, needing just four more wins to secure the title. If the Reds triumph over Fulham, West Ham, Leicester, and Tottenham, they’ll collect 12 points, putting them in a commanding position. The title could be decided as early as April 27, provided Slot’s side maintains their impressive form in the final stretch.
The Reds, who have shown remarkable form this season, could face harsh criticism if they fail to clinch the title, with Aldridge labeling them “the biggest chokers in history” should they falter in the final stretch.
The former Liverpool striker says that alarm bells should be ringing for Slot and that the Reds need to improve after an unsettling few weeks. “The warning signs have to be flashing for Liverpool manager Arne Slot and if the Premier League season was starting afresh tomorrow, he knows his team would be struggling” said the 66-year-old.
“The nervy 1-0 win against Everton at Anfield on Wednesday night felt like a massive moment after the setbacks of last month, but I’m sure Slot has a better idea of the limitations of this squad after a few weeks that have seen the wind taken out of their sails and their limitations exposed.
“We have lived through a very strange few weeks for a Liverpool team that is a massive 12 points ahead of its nearest rivals in the Premier League with just eight games left to play. Liverpool plays its 31st league game of the season at Fulham and the record is just amazing, with 22 wins and just one defeat. This has been an incredible success story for Slot that few saw coming, including me, but the last month has highlighted some areas of concern that need to be addressed.”
(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Aldridge believes that the Reds don’t have enough key players or back up options to keep up its winning ways. He added: “All teams have key players who give them their winning magic, but Liverpool relies heavily on two or three match-winners to get them through games and when those stars are not at their best, the back-up options are not there.
“Mo Salah has led the way this season with his goals and assists, but his form has fallen off a cliff over the last month and his no-shows were a shortcoming in the Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain and the Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle. Even though Diogo Jota got the winning goal against Everton with a wonderful moment of magic, he was poor for most of that game and has struggled with injuries and a dip in confidence over the last few months.”
“Cody Gakpo has not scored a Premier League goal since January and while Luis Diaz is the one Liverpool forward who is buzzing, his end product is always a concern. Darwin Nunez came on against Everton and didn’t make much of an impact, so the forward line needs to be freshened up with one or two signings this summer.”
