Array
(
    [_edit_lock] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1706090699:31
        )

    [tdc_dirty_content] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1
        )

    [tdc_icon_fonts] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:0:{}
        )

    [_thumbnail_id] => Array
        (
            [0] => 160208
        )

    [_edit_last] => Array
        (
            [0] => 31
        )

    [_post_language] => Array
        (
            [0] => English
        )

    [_molongui_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-157346
        )

    [_molongui_main_author] => Array
        (
            [0] => guest-157346
        )

    [td_post_theme_settings] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:1:{s:11:"td_subtitle";s:104:"Former Red plays down their Premier League title tilt, citing injuries to key players like Mohamed Salah";}
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_primary_category] => Array
        (
            [0] => 601
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_metadesc] => Array
        (
            [0] => Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise believes that the pressure is too much for his old club to stay top of the Premier League, citing injuries to several key players and also Manchester City’s return to form.
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_content_score] => Array
        (
            [0] => 60
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes] => Array
        (
            [0] => 2
        )

    [_yoast_wpseo_wordproof_timestamp] => Array
        (
            [0] => 
        )

    [post_views_count] => Array
        (
            [0] => 302
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_arr] => Array
        (
            [0] => a:7:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:1;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:2;a:3:{s:4:"date";s:10:"1752022211";s:5:"count";i:3;s:14:"per_hour_count";a:2:{i:0;i:2;i:12;i:1;}}i:3;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:4;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:5;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}i:6;a:2:{s:4:"date";i:0;s:5:"count";i:0;}}
        )

    [post_view_7days_last_day] => Array
        (
            [0] => 2
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_last_date] => Array
        (
            [0] => 1752022211
        )

    [post_views_count_7_day_total] => Array
        (
            [0] => 3
        )

    [post_views_last_24_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 3
        )

    [post_views_last_48_hours] => Array
        (
            [0] => 3
        )

)
Hard for Liverpool to stay top as Man City too strong: John Arne Riise cools title talk | Scoop
Former Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise has cited Manchester City’s return to form as a reason why the Reds would likely not win the Premier League this season. – Alif Omar/Scoop pic, January 24, 2024
Sports

Hard for Liverpool to stay top as Man City too strong: John Arne Riise cools title talk

Former Red plays down their Premier League title tilt, citing injuries to key players like Mohamed Salah

Muslim Al Abid Baharuddin
Updated
6:04 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise believes that the pressure is too much for his old club to stay top of the Premier League, citing injuries to several key players and also Manchester City’s return to form.

“I don’t think we’re going to do it, though I hope we can, because we are playing good football.” Riise said, acknowledging Liverpool’s impressive on-field performances.

However, he emphasised the significance of keeping all players injury free, highlighting the recent setback with Mohamed Salah’s injury in a 2-2 draw with Ghana last week at the Africa Cup of Nations.

“It is important to keep our players injury free, but now Salah is injured,” Riise noted.

Despite Liverpool looking “very good” in their gameplay, Riise ultimately pointed to the formidable competition posed by Manchester City. 

He anticipates that City’s strength, coupled with the return of key player Kevin De Bruyne, could tip the balance in their favour.

“We are looking very good, but in the end, I think Man City will be too strong, now that they are going to get De Bruyne soon,” Riise stated, hinting at the potential game changer that De Bruyne’s return could represent for the Manchester club.

Riise and former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham at a press conference for the ‘Battle of the Reds’ charity match between legends of Liverpool and the Red Devils at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur today. – Alif Omar/Scoop pic, January 24, 2024

Riise’s insights into Liverpool’s title chances provides fans with a realistic perspective on the challenges ahead. 

As the season unfolds, the football community will be keenly watching to see how Liverpool navigate these hurdles and whether they can defy the odds in pursuit of securing the coveted title.

Despite Salah’s absence, Liverpool managed to win 4-0 against Bournemouth last Monday with a brace each from Darwin Núñez and Diago Jota, showing that Liverpool are still a formidable team without their top scorer.

However, Liverpool will have to prove themselves once again when facing Fulham in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final tomorrow, having won the first leg 2-1. – January 24, 2024

Topics

 

◉ Popular

National Unity Ministry requests for higher allocation in Budget 2024

Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the ministry has requested a higher allocation in the 2024 Budget, which will be tabled in October.  

Action taken against 44 illegal e-waste plants: Nik Nazmi

As of Dec 31, 2024, eight factories closed, 36 facing prosecution under the Environmental Quality Act 1974

Isu subsidi diesel jadi ‘bola tanggung’ kepada PAS jika ia dimainkan di Sg Bakap, kata penganalisis

Ini kerana ada dalam kalangan pemimpin Perikatan Nasional sendiri yang bersetuju dengan rasional penyasaran subsidi diesel dilakukan

◉ Related

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved.