It’s already New Year and Premier League can not have been more poised at the top than it already is. A glance at the table, and you might get a perspective of City being clear at the top.
Manchester City without any doubt are in the driver’s seat to lift the PL Trophy, yet again! Their closest opponents, at the second place, are Chelsea with a whopping difference of 10 points. But at the third position is Liverpool- a team which started the season brightly and with higher hopes, are already 11 points behind the table toppers. This might not have been so startling if they would not have lost their two of the key attackers.
A dry transfer market, like many in the recent past
Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah. Both have contributed in 43 goals, together, playing for Liverpool. The Egyptian has played part in 32 of those goals- scoring 23 and assisting 9. Since their departure for the AFCON, the Reds have featured in only a single game. That too against a league one side, Shrewsbury Town, in the FA Cup.
The versatility of Keita will be missed by the Reds with the title race in full fashion. A front three of Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi may not be as fearsome as having Salah and Mane available but going forward in this crucial time of the season, Klopp has very few options. The last time Mane left for AFCON in 2017, Liverpool won just one of seven games.
We are into the 12th day of the January Winter Transfer window, and the Reds’ fans are still hearing with the rumors. Many reckon that, time it won’t be any less. A dry transfer market, like many in the recent past- where Liverpool won’t be completing any major deals and will be relying on the skills of the academy players. If not just the stats of Salah alone were enough to haunt the ‘Liverpudlian fanbase’, they were given another setback with Mane alongside.
The real test, however, is yet to come. As Jurgen Klopp and his men get ready to face Arsenal in the Semi Final of the Carabao Cup.
“I’m not asking for crazy stuff”, Salah on new contract
Despite many links and rumored transfers, The Reds stand true the point that they won’t be making any signings this transfer window. A big blow it may be. However, the fans can feel a little better to know that Board’s main target is Salah’s contract renewal.
While the Board and the manager, Klopp himself, have not been so open to talk about the whole Salah contract renewal fiesta. The Egyptian has come forth and had this to say in an interview with Sky: “I want to stay, but it’s not in my hands. They know what I want. I’m not asking for crazy stuff.”
With the second, and the main, half of the season about to start. It’s only a matter of time before the fans start accepting the fact that Manchester City have pulled clear to win yet another title. It’s that or Klopp pulls another rabbit out of his hat, it will be interesting to see. The Premier League has just begin.
