17 September 2023 , 12:01
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Ex- Liverpool players Joe Cole and Peter Crouch both believe that their former club have what it takes to run Manchester City close for the Premier League title this season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have made an unbeaten start to the campaign and currently sit third in the table with 13 points from a possible 15. They came from behind to beat Wolves 3-1 on Saturday, breaking their poor run in 12.30pm kick-offs.
Wolves deservedly went ahead through Hwang Hee-chan’s early goal, but the Reds were much improved after the break. Cody Gakpo levelled before Andy Robertson’s late strike and an own goal from Hugo Bueno secured the points for the away side at Molineux.
Liverpool were predicted by many to have a slow start to the season after undergoing a major squad overhaul, while they have also been without captain Virgil van Dijk for the past two games due to suspension. But they have shown character to come from behind and win on three occasions already this season and sit level with Tottenham in the table.
Asked on TNT Sports whether Liverpool would be City’s closest challengers this season, Cole said: "Yes, I think they can push City [the closest]. We see Arsenal improving as well, so they'll be closer.
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"As much credit as I want to give Liverpool for their recruitment and Jurgen Klopp for the job what he looks like he's done already - and [Mikel] Arteta at Arsenal - I think a lot comes down to how City react.
"They've been brilliant so far - undefeated - to the shift in the players that have left them, because they've let some big players go. They brought players in, how do them players settle in? Are the players that Man City bringing gonna have as much impact as the likes of [Riyad] Mahrez and [Ilkay] Gundogan who have left?
Andy Robertson scored the crucial second goal vs Wolves on Saturday (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Can Liverpool win the Premier League title this season? Comment below.
"Because I think the likes of the players that Liverpool have brought in are going to improve them, and also I think the players at Arsenal are going to improve them.
"Them two clubs are going to be the ones pressing Man City and I hope for the Premier League's sake they do. We can't have Man City just dominating like they have been, it's great to watch and we give them all their flowers and respect that they got, but we want a competition. This team looks like they can push Man City."
Cole was speaking before City came from a goal behind to beat West Ham 3-1 on Saturday. The result saw them continue their perfect start to the season and go back to the top of the league.
Pep Guardiola’s side won an historic Treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup last season and have strengthened through the additions of Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic and look as strong as ever, despite being without the injured Kevin De Bruyne.
"City are obviously the side to beat,” Crouch added. “City probably will have just too much, but if you think about the way Liverpool were last year and the improvements they've made, they are right back in the mix," the former striker said.
Peter Crouch and Joe Cole have been impressed by Liverpool (TNT Sports)"I think Liverpool and Arsenal will be the two teams in and around City, and as Joe said hopefully they take it right to the wire. Big improvements this year from Liverpool."