'Interesting': Gary Neville predicts whether Liverpool can win the PL title after watching them beat Chelsea

Today at 05:15 AM

Liverpool made a huge statement on Sunday in recording a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield.

The three points saw Liverpool move ahead of Manchester City and to the top of the Premier League table, after impressively winning seven games out of eight so far.

It was arguably the first proper test for Arne Slot since replacing Jurgen Klopp – seeing as Chelsea were fourth heading into the clash at Anfield – but the Dutchman handled Enzo Maresca well in the tactical battlefield, as goals from Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones secured all three points.

However – speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast after the game – Gary Neville remains unconvinced when it comes to viewing Liverpool as potential Premier League winners this season.

Gary Neville feels Liverpool still have work to do before winning the Premier League under Arne Slot

The man from Bury believes Liverpool are still “short” – presumably meaning when it comes to squad depth – which he feels could cost them the Premier League title come May.

Neville said: “There was a mention, I think, today, would these two teams win the title. I don't think so, but what Liverpool are doing defensively at the moment is interesting. Interesting. I would like to sort of assess it at Christmas. I still think that they are short, I do feel like they are short.”

The Reds obviously wanted additions in the central midfield department during the summer transfer window, after Liverpool tried to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for Slot.

Liverpool were also strongly linked with Marc Guehi as Richard Hughes – Director of Football at Anfield – aimed to find a replacement for Joel Matip.

As things stand, Slot has responded well after missing out on Zubimendi, transforming Ryan Gravenberch into a superb No.6 this season, while Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk have been imperious at the back so far, conceding just three goals in eight Premier League games.

However, Neville has a point.

Liverpool must avoid injuries to key men if they are to overcome Manchester City and Arsenal

Look at Liverpool’s bench for Sunday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, and there is a distinct lack of depth. Quality depth, we must add.

For example, if Andy Robertson suffered a serious injury, Kostas Tsimikas would replace the Scotland international, which – with all due respect – is a drop off in terms of quality.

Furthermore, Slot is currently one Caoimhin Kelleher injury away from needing to rely on the 23-year-old Vitezslav Jaros in goal, while any fitness issues for Gravenberch, Jones, Wataru Endo or Alexis Mac Allister would most likely see Tyler Morton thrust into the spotlight.

Of course, they are still talented players, but should Liverpool find themselves stretched as fixtures stack up in other competitions, it could prove costly in terms of the Premier League title race.