Steven Gerrard backs Arsenal for Premier League title after Liverpool win
Steven Gerrard believes Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title after Mikel Arteta’s side ground out a vital victory against Liverpool at Anfield.
Sunday saw Arsenal establish a three-point lead over Manchester City, placing them first in the division after Kai Havertz scored before the break to earn a 1-0 victory on Merseyside.
Gerrard hails grit of potential champions
Arsenal forward Havertz tapped home after an error stemming from Alisson Becker’s clearance handed Arsenal possession, with the visitors holding firm under heavy pressure to seal all three points.
Speaking on Monday’s episode of The Overlap, former Liverpool midfielder Gerrard praised the resolve displayed by the league leaders in surviving a stern test at a tough venue.
Gerrard said:
“That’s how you win leagues, going to places like Liverpool, being strong, sticking together, and putting in a different type of performance, which was full of grit and fight and togetherness, and they got over the line.”
The Anfield icon maintained his pre-season prediction, insisting that victories of this nature matter far more over the course of a campaign than routine thrashings.
Gerrard explained:
“And they will know that come the end of the season, if they win the league, which I think they will, I haven’t changed my mind from the beginning of the season, they will look back at that more than your four or five-nils where they look fantastic, because I’m sure they will at times.”
Liverpool self-destruct as gap widens
Reflecting on his former club’s performance, Gerrard felt Liverpool were ultimately responsible for their own downfall despite creating opportunities to pull themselves back into the contest.
Alexis Mac Allister missed a notable chance to equalize, while Alisson later produced a penalty save to keep the scoreline down.
Gerrard said:
“They shot themselves in the foot, because there was no need to concede that early goal.”
Defeat leaves Andoni Iraola’s team sitting fifth in the table, trailing Arsenal by nine points, and Gerrard conceded the Reds face a steep hill to climb if they are to push for top spot.
Gerrard added:
“Could be huge for Arsenal. At this moment in time, nine points behind for Liverpool. So, Liverpool have got work to do if they want to challenge. But this Arsenal team just look as if they can beat teams in different ways. I think that could be the difference.”
What comes next for both sides
Arsenal have responded impressively to their defeat against Brighton prior to the September international break, stringing together four consecutive top-flight victories since that setback.
Arteta’s side host Hull City at the weekend in their final Premier League match before the November international break, presenting a chance to reinforce their position at the summit.
Liverpool turn their attention to European duties in midweek, facing Fenerbahce in the Champions League, before returning to domestic action with an away fixture against Crystal Palace.
