Anfield Index
·06 de fevereiro de 2025
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Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·06 de fevereiro de 2025
As Liverpool’s Premier League campaign heats up, Anfield Index’s latest Big Decisions podcast, featuring Trev Downey and Dave Davis, delivers a wealth of insights on the Reds’ form, upcoming fixtures, and title ambitions under new manager Arne Slot. The podcast didn’t shy away from expressing his confidence in Liverpool’s ability to triumph over their toughest rivals, including Everton, Wolves, Manchester City, and Newcastle United.
During the discussion, Downey made it clear that he sees no reason why Liverpool can’t secure maximum points from their next four Premier League fixtures. Speaking with conviction, he stated, “I think they are four games that Liverpool should win.” This level of confidence isn’t misplaced, considering the Reds sit atop the Premier League table with a six-point lead over Arsenal and a game in hand.
When asked about the magnitude of Liverpool’s February fixtures, Downey didn’t hesitate. “If on the 26th of February we are looking at Liverpool having beaten Newcastle, City, Wolves, and Everton, all of which they are capable of, I think at that point we might be starting to hear ‘we’re going to win the league’ ramping around the ground.” For Downey, this isn’t just blind optimism; it’s a reflection of the team’s consistency and resilience under Arne Slot.
Liverpool’s transition from the Jurgen Klopp era to Arne Slot’s leadership has been seamless, much to the surprise of many. Downey attributes this success to Slot’s ability to maintain the high standards set by his predecessor while adding his tactical flair. The Reds’ current run of form is proof that Slot has not only inherited a talented squad but has also instilled a belief that they can challenge on all fronts.
Photo: IMAGO
Downey highlighted the importance of Slot’s approach in big games, particularly against rivals like Manchester City. “Liverpool, the current favourites for the league, the league leaders by a nice amount of points and with a game in hand… should be able to go and get four wins there,” Downey asserted. His confidence in Slot’s tactical nous and the squad’s depth is palpable, especially as Liverpool prepares for one of the most crucial stretches of the season.
Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures are a true test of their title credentials. First up is a trip to Goodison Park for the Merseyside Derby, a match that always promises intensity and unpredictability. But Downey is unfazed, suggesting that the Reds’ quality should see them through comfortably.
Next is a home clash against Wolves, followed by the pivotal encounter at the Etihad against Manchester City. While many would consider City the toughest challenge, Downey remains steadfast in his belief that Liverpool can emerge victorious. “I don’t want to start saying well City is tough away, Everton’s tough away. I think Liverpool… should be that team,” he emphasised.
Photo: IMAGO
The final fixture in this critical run is against Newcastle United at Anfield. Given Newcastle’s resurgence under Eddie Howe, this could be a tricky encounter, but Downey’s confidence in Liverpool’s home form remains unshaken.
Downey believes that if Liverpool can secure victories in these four fixtures, it will have a psychological impact on their title rivals. “Five wins in a row, I think, kicks the heart and soul out of anyone who’s considering a sniff at a challenge,” he remarked. The relentlessness of Liverpool’s pursuit of the title could prove too much for competitors like Arsenal and Manchester City, who are already struggling to keep pace.
Moreover, Downey suggested that the psychological advantage could extend beyond the players to the fans and the broader footballing community. “It’s more about the relentlessness of this team… we just won’t go away, we just won’t stop winning,” he added. This mindset, combined with Slot’s tactical acumen, could be the key to Liverpool securing their 20th league title.
In conclusion, Trev Downey’s unwavering belief in Liverpool’s Premier League title ambitions under Arne Slot is both inspiring and justified. With crucial fixtures against Everton, Wolves, Manchester City, and Newcastle United on the horizon, the Reds are well-positioned to solidify their lead at the top of the table. As Downey aptly put it, “This squad, fully fit, more or less, should be able to go and get four wins there.” If Liverpool can deliver on this, the chants of “we’re going to win the league” will echo around Anfield sooner rather than later.
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