Robbie Fowler claims he wasn't sold on Liverpool's recent wins as they were dealt another reality check at Manchester City, with the Anfield icon now doubtful over their title chances
Liverpool were outclassed during their visit to Manchester
Liverpool were outclassed in their 3-0 loss away at Manchester City
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Robbie Fowler admits he was never "getting carried away" with Liverpool's win over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, suggesting they are still in a difficult period after their loss at Manchester City.
The Reds had endured a shocking run of results, which saw them lose four straight Premier League games and go out of the Carabao Cup. But a win over Villa and then success against Los Blancos at Anfield days later had lifted spirits. There was talk of Liverpool turning a corner, but Fowler wasn't convinced and believes they were only good for one half during their win over Villa. They were dealt a seventh loss in ten games when they travelled to the Etihad with Pep Guardiola's side running out 3-0 winners.
City were relentless and made Liverpool look second best for long periods. Their win means they and Arsenal have created some daylight at the top with Arne Slot's side seven points off the top - leading to Fowler ruling them out of the title picture.
He told Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt on The Good, The Bad & The Football: "I got asked before the game, 'Are Liverpool out of a little bit of a rut?', and I thought don't be getting carried away.
"Okay, they beat Aston Villa but for 45 minutes Liverpool weren't great and then they beat (Real) Madrid. So it's only 45 minutes in a league game where they've played relatively okay. I think they're out of the title (race)."
Liverpool had begun the defence of their title in impressive fashion, winning five on the bounce following a summer where they bought in more than £400million worth of talent. Few could see past the Reds but they've fallen off a cliff and their recruitment has now been deemed excessive by some with following the wholesale changes.
Robbie Fowler has ruled Liverpool out of the title race
Robbie Fowler has ruled Liverpool out of the title race
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Fowler has been critical of the defenders they bought in with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez playing on either flank. Frimpong came from Bayer Leverkusen but is not a like-for-like replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left for Real Madrid. Kerkez meanwhile is struggling to make the step up after making a name for himself at Bournemouth.
He said: "Frimpong is the biggest example, he was brought in as a Trent replacement but he's a wing-back. And Kerkez, he was everyone's favourite left back last year. When you're playing for Liverpool or Man United, it's different playing for Bournemouth or Brentford, because there's more pressure."
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