Liverpool moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League with their win over Tottenham Hotspur
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Gary Neville believes Liverpool are title favourites after their win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Gary Neville believes Liverpool are title favourites after their win over Tottenham Hotspur.
(Image: Sky Sports Premier League/YouTube)
Liverpool are now favourites to win the Premier League and are the best team in the division, says former Manchester United captain Gary Neville. However, he has warned head coach Arne Slot that injury to skipper Virgil van Dijk could be costly in their pursuit of top-flight glory.
The Reds restored their four-point lead at the top of the table on Sunday in their 6-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Liverpool dominated in North London, inflicting misery on Ange Postecoglou's side while Slot was left disappointed with the manner of the goals conceded.
Chelsea dropped points on Merseyside as they were held at Goodison Park by Everton - missing out on the chance to go top of the Premier League and apply pressure on Liverpool ahead of their showdown on Sunday afternoon. But Liverpool were at their best and Neville feels that Arsenal are the only team that the Reds should be wary of - should Mikel Arteta's side hit a purple patch.
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He said speaking on his podcast: "They're clearly the best in the league at this moment in time, they're clear favourites for the title. City at this moment in time, I watched the game yesterday, it's spectacular what's happening there I have no idea, I don't think anyone has any idea.
"Chelsea had a tough game, they're going well and having a good season. The one team that Liverpool would need to watch is Arsenal going if they get their tail up and close the gap going into March or April but at this moment in time, Liverpool are favourites."
Neville has urged Liverpool to keep their captain fit, who has been ever-present for the Reds this season, warning that injury to the Dutchman could have a significant bearing on their title push. The Red Devils icon likened any problem for Van Dijk to having a similar impact to Rodri's injury for Manchester City, as the Spaniards knee issue coincided with the remarkable slump from Pep Guardiola's side.
"If they can keep Van Dijk fit, the biggest risk to them is injury possible to Salah but if you lose Van Dijk, it's almost like the Rodri of Liverpool," he added. "He holds so much together, he's like the rock, Liverpool have proved they can cope without Alisson for a period of time, I think Salah they would lose quite a bit but with Van Dijk there, they'd still get through enough points, they'd find a way with Jota, Gakpo, Diaz and the like.
"They've got Champions League, Carabao Cup semi-finals, the FA Cup starting in January - all big challenges so we're nowhere near the point whereby you can hand Liverpool the title, they're in a great position and at this moment in time, they're the best team in the league."