Liverpool or Arsenal? Ferdinand gives Premier League title prediction after Man Utd beat Reds
Rio Ferdinand has made a Premier League title prediction following Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester United and Arsenal’s victory this weekend.
Liverpool suffered their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions with the reigning Premier League champions beaten at Anfield by Man Utdwho won their first consecutive matches since the arrival of Ruben Amorim at the club.
The Red Devils took the lead through Bryan Mbeumo after just a few minutes before Cody Gakpo’s tap-in 12 minutes from time put Liverpool back on level terms.
However, Man Utd went back in front just six minutes later when Harry Maguire’s header found the back of the net, while Cody Gakpo missed a sitter for Liverpool with just minutes remaining.
Arsenal beat Fulham 1-0 at the weekend from another set goal and the Gunners are now three points clear of second-placed Manchester City and four points ahead of Liverpool.
Asked who he sees winning the Premier League title after Man Utd beat Liverpool, Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: “I said before a ball was kicked this season that Arsenal, this was their chance to win the league.
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“I felt they had to do it this year and they couldn’t come back second. They have a wonderful group of players, they’re probably the best team in terms of depth in the league.
“They have recruited well this summer and found their way again against Fulham yesterday. They are my favorites to win the Premier League.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes the Reds “were far too hasty” against Man Utd and urged his teammates to “stay together”.
Van Dijk said: “It’s an interesting time but we have to stay together, not just as players but as a club and fans who want us to win.
“We have to stay humble, keep working and keep our confidence as high as possible. When things get tough, it’s important that we keep the mentality of being there for each other. It’s a long season.
“I think we conceded a very sloppy second goal. We worked so hard to get back into the game and we created some great chances to score the winner, but if you concede a second goal like that, that’s the disappointing part.
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“If you look at the game as a whole, we were too pressured. I think they were very patient, they didn’t press us high but they didn’t give us the ball. We still created a lot of chances to score but the reality is we lost.”
Jamie Carragher has doubts over Liverpool’s title qualification, with a number of their players letting their standards slip this season.
Carragher said on Aerial sports: “Liverpool are always conceding goals and big chances. I don’t think there’s a glaring problem, it’s a lot of things.
“The new signings aren’t aware, but some of Liverpool’s big players from last season are nowhere near the level they were.
“They make mistakes. That’s not really the case for Liverpool. I’m worried about Liverpool, not just because of the results but also the performances.”
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