Graeme Souness claims Liverpool are the favourites to win the title
Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness believes that Liverpool hold the edge in the title race over Manchester City this season, claiming that the pragmatic approach adopted by manager Jurgen Klopp can bring back the glory of the yesteryears.
The Reds are currently four points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side at the top of the table and Souness believes that his former club have a slight advantage in “first to blink” race for the Premier League crown.
Liverpool have only stumbled once this season in pursuit of their first Premier League title in 28 years, having lost 2-1 to the reigning champions at Etihad on January 3.
The ex-Reds midfielder told the club’s official website: “We’re in a great position.
“It’s not theirs to lose, there’s a long way to go and City are a really good team. Just keep your nerve and treat each game as the next one is the most important one, don’t look too far ahead.
“If you can, keep that four-point advantage and it’s first to blink really, in the long term.
“As well as being a great watch, Liverpool are a pretty pragmatic team as well; they are a pretty strong outfit when they’re not dominant, they’re still capable of winning games. That makes them a dangerous team. It makes you league champions when you can win games without being at your best.”
“It’s a group that’s not done it before. In many ways, getting over the line the first time is the hardest one. People say it’s hard to retain a trophy, and it is, but I think it’s harder to win it first time,” the Scot added.
“There’ll be a period in the season when it might not go the way you want it to go and that’s when the big players step in and drag you through those moments. Liverpool have big players.
“I’ve got a sneaky feeling Liverpool will win it this year because of the slightly pragmatic way they can play at times. I don’t think they’ve been like that in the past; it was all about winning a game 3-0 instead of just 1-0.
“You wouldn’t want to swap their place for anyone else, you’d far prefer to be four points ahead.”
