Martin Keown delivers verdict on Liverpool fight for fourth, this is what’s missing
By Russell Edge
Martin Keown has said that he believes Liverpool will keep Arsenal at bay in the fight for fourth spot in the Premier League.
The Reds currently sit in third on 70 points having played a game extra than all the other teams around them.
Arsenal meanwhile are down in fifth on 66 points, four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, having secured a 2-0 win over Southampton at St Mary’s on Wednesday night.
However, despite the momentum sitting with the Gunners, who have secured two successive 2-0 victories, Keown believes the Reds will come out on top come the end of the season.
He wrote on the Daily Mail: “I think Arsenal have too much to do.
“Liverpool slipping up has certainly opened the door to Arsenal — but I would sooner be in Jurgen Klopp’s position with the points on the board.”
The former Arsenal man was critical of Liverpool’s recent performances, which saw them labour to a 0-0 draw with Southampton and slip to a 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace.
He claimed that the Reds were missing influential forward Sadio Mane, as they struggled to create clear cut chances in a languid performance.
“Liverpool do look as if they have lost the rhythm in their performances,” Keown added.
“Against Southampton they were laboured, slow. They missed Sadio Mane’s pace — he creates the threat in behind.”
Mane, who has been ruled out of the season with a knee injury, confirmed to the club’s official website that he is on the road to recovery ahead of next season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side travel to London this weekend to take on West Ham on Sunday, while Arsenal travel North to take on Stoke.
In other Liverpool transfer news, Klopp is set to go on biggest spending spree in club’s history.
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Liverpool breaking news.