Jan Molby Questions Arsenal’s Ability to Sustain Title Charge with Man City and Liverpool | OneFootball

Will Liverpool Join Manchester City and Arsenal in the Title Race?

As the Premier League season heats up, discussions around the title race have intensified. On Anfield Index’s Molby on the Spot podcast, Liverpool legend Jan Molby and host Trev Downey dissected the chances of Liverpool challenging Manchester City and Arsenal this season. Key topics included Rodri’s injury at Manchester City, Arsenal’s form under Mikel Arteta, and whether Liverpool has what it takes to compete with the top two clubs.

Rodri’s Injury: A Blow for Manchester City

Molby and Downey spent considerable time discussing the impact of Rodri’s injury on Manchester City’s title prospects. Rodri has been a central figure for City, and his absence could present a rare opportunity for their rivals to capitalise. Molby noted, “Rodri has an outsized influence on their results… the times when results don’t go their way are when Rodri’s not available.”

Despite the financial muscle of City, which allows them to cover gaps with expensive signings, there’s no doubt that losing Rodri could destabilise the team’s rhythm. As Molby put it, “They have no direct replacement,” emphasising how crucial Rodri is to Guardiola’s system.

Trev Downey echoed this sentiment, pointing out that although City has “several tens of millions worth of world-class players,” Rodri’s absence could expose vulnerabilities. If there’s ever a chance for Liverpool or Arsenal to close the gap, it’s now, with City’s key midfielder sidelined.

Arsenal’s Title Aspirations: Genuine Contenders or Media Hype?

Another central theme of the conversation was Arsenal’s form under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal have been hailed by many as Manchester City’s biggest threat this season, but both Molby and Downey were sceptical. Molby was quick to remind listeners that Arsenal’s early-season performances haven’t always lived up to the hype. “People are talking about Arsenal being unbeaten away, but they’ve already dropped four points in five games,” Molby observed.

Downey raised questions about whether Arsenal’s strong defensive displays are sustainable across the season. Referring to their 2-2 draw against City, Molby pointed out, “Arsenal came to win, not to entertain.” While their defensive setup might frustrate opponents, including Manchester City, it leaves questions about whether they can consistently challenge for the title.

Moreover, both contributors agreed that there seems to be an excess of “Arsenal love” in the media, which could be more about building up a narrative than reflecting the actual strength of the squad. Molby voiced doubts about Arsenal’s ability to sustain a title charge, saying, “For all the fawning done in the media, I’m not sure Arsenal are there yet.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Chances: Can They Break Into the Race?

The biggest question Molby and Downey tackled was whether Liverpool could push Manchester City and Arsenal in the title race. Downey admitted the fixture list has been kind to Liverpool early on, but Molby warned, “The tests are coming fast…the first real test will probably be Chelsea at Anfield.”

What makes Liverpool’s case intriguing is their squad depth and potential resurgence under new manager Arne Slot. Molby pointed out key players like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, who have shown flashes of brilliance this season. However, consistency remains a question, especially against bigger teams. “I need more from a team that might win the Premier League,” Molby said, underlining the importance of creating more chances and scoring more goals in big games.

While both contributors acknowledged Liverpool’s improvements, the overriding sentiment was one of cautious optimism. Molby summed it up perfectly: “We’re getting our rhythm back, but until we see how we perform in those big matches, it’s hard to say where we really stand in the title race.”

Photo: IMAGO

The Title Race Takes Shape

As Manchester City deals with Rodri’s absence, Arsenal tries to prove they can handle the pressure, and Liverpool continues to find its feet under Arne Slot, the title race remains wide open. While City and Arsenal are the early frontrunners, Liverpool fans can remain hopeful that their team could still challenge, especially as City navigates a tough stretch without their midfield general.

The next few months will be crucial in determining whether it will be a three-horse race, or if Liverpool will have to settle for another year of playing catch-up.