Roy Keane compares Liverpool to Man Utd, Newcastle, Arsenal, and Chelsea in the top four competition.

Liverpool secured a hard-fought point in Sunday’s Premier League opener after being held 1-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It was an action-packed game as both teams were denied a goal and Liverpool had to register a second-half VAR penalty.

It’s been just one game and the Reds have already had heart-pounding drama. We can only expect this season to continue as it started, with many twists and turns, especially when it comes to fighting for the top 4.

Last season, Liverpool struggled to maintain consistent form and failed to qualify for the Champions League. They finished fifth after the last game of the season, which was canceled by Manchester United and Newcastle, both certainly another challenge.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Roy Keane admitted he sees another triumph for Manchester City at the top of the table, but says there is “a lot of competition” when it comes to battling for a top-four finish.

“I said before, unless they really drop out and get seriously injured or lose that hunger, other teams have a chance, but I don’t see anyone competing with Manchester City. I think United will be in the top four, look at L ‘Arsenal have improved, look at Newcastle, Villa will respond well [to defeat].

“Liverpool, Chelsea – there’s a lot of competition, but for a lot of these teams it’s the top four and that includes United. Newcastle are definitely in contention for the top four. I think they’ve gotten stronger, their recruiting has been great.”

Immediate rivals Liverpool have strengthened considerably in the transfer market this summer, making plenty of signings. The Reds got off to a good start after signing Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but the sudden departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho left Jurgen Klopp struggling to sign replacements for the now decadent and worrying midfielder.

More news…….

Trent Alexander-Arnold has confessed he cannot be the leader that James Milner was and has urged other Liverpool stars to fill the void.

Milner, 37, has now left Anfield for Brighton after a fantastic eight years at the club. He moved to Merseyside in June 2015 after five seasons with Manchester City. The Leeds-born ace won two Premier Leagues, an EFL Cup and an FA Cup with the Citizens.

And he added the 2018-19 Champions League to another Premier League triumph with the Reds. The former England winger also won both domestic cups with Liverpool but has now joined the Seagulls.

Milner left his contract this summer and signed a one-year contract with Amex with an option for an additional 12 months.

Since Jordan Henderson also left the club, Virgil van Dijk took over the captaincy.

Alexander-Arnold was named vice-captain. But the Englishman believes it will take a concerted effort to replicate the effect Milner had in the dressing room. “I play a role in making sure I live up to the standard every day,” she told the Daily Mail. “By losing Milner, you can’t replace him immediately. A lot of people will be needed. Others have to step forward.

“We have to make sure that the way he has continued to push us forward is replaced.”

Liverpool’s midfield will look very different in 2023/24. Fabinho, Naby Keita, Fabio Carvalho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joined the departures of Henderson and Milner.

Carvalho’s departure was on loan to RB Leipzig for a year, while Roberto Firmino has also left.

There are newcomers too, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister now on board.

Alexander-Arnold aware of Liverpool’s role
Liverpool fans are hoping for a return to the form they played regularly in the Champions League until last season.

Nine defeats in the top flight have left them well off pace and in fifth place. That just means Europa League for the Anfield faithful.

They will open the season at home against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

Alexander-Arnold will be one of the players Klopp will look to when the chips run out.

The man with 20 England caps knows he won’t have the same impact as Milner.

But he hopes to have qualities that can provoke a reaction from his teammates. “I am aware of myself. I know I will never be a James Milner,” he added.

“I will never be that kind of leader, but the leadership qualities that I have have to be demonstrated and they have to be seen, heard and used in an effective way for the team.”

“I have to keep pushing forward to try to achieve the things that I want to achieve.”

Alexander-Arnold could well be used in Klopp’s midfield this season. Last season he was used several times in the hybrid position. Gareth Southgate has also propelled him higher up the pitch for England and it could be that the future of the Liverpool man lies on the right side of midfield.