2 months ago
15
Ex-Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes that Arsenal is currently in pole position in the Premier League title race, but he hasn't written off his former club's chances.
The Reds find themselves four points adrift of the leaders after a run of three consecutive domestic losses saw them slide down the table. Arne Slot's team bounced back in midweek with a much-needed 5-1 triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
Liverpool has the opportunity to put pressure on Arsenal and Manchester City when it takes on Brentford on Saturday, while the top two face Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, respectively.
The Reds began their campaign strongly, although they had to rely on late goals and solid defending against Everton to maintain their unbeaten streak.
However, they've suffered three straight losses, including back-to-back defeats in London against Crystal Palace and Chelsea. Their woes were compounded when Manchester United secured a crucial victory at Anfield.
While Liverpool faltered, Arsenal has recovered from its defeat at Anfield courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick and now holds a four-point lead at the top of the table.
Former Reds forward Heskey doesn't see it as a crisis for Slot's players, but acknowledges they are part of the chasing pack.
"I wouldn't say it's a crisis, but four in a row doesn't look great," he told the Liverpool ECHO via BetBrain. "Falling off their perch and leaving it for others to take up that mantle, they're chasing, they're no longer the favorites, they're the chasing pack now with others.
"The thing with Arsenal, what they do do is defend. It's going to be difficult."
Nevertheless, the Anfield treble-winner acknowledged that the Reds cannot be written off entirely, as he believes the Gunners' composure will face scrutiny during the title run-in.
Heskey continued: "One-hundred percent it's Arsenal's to lose. Again, I wouldn't count us out or City out.
"When pressure comes, we've seen teams buckle and lose points, so I wouldn't count it out, but it is Arsenal's to lose.
"Liverpool can run it close, it's just how well Arsenal can hold their nerve. They're doing well now, but when the pressure comes and they need points, can they hold their nerve?
"We've seen them buckle at times but it's theirs to lose right now, they're more adapted now to dealing with the pressure, they've had it for a few years now."
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