Former Manchester City and Arsenal defender, Bakary Sagna, believes Liverpool could still miss out on Premier League and UEFA Champions League glory despite their impressive displays this season.
The Reds have been the best side in the English top-flight, as they lead closest challengers Arsenal by as much as 16 points albeit having played two games more.
Arne Slot’s men also hold a slender advantage in their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 first-leg clash against French side, Paris Saint-Germain, with the return match set to hold at Anfield in midweek.
“I believe they [Arsenal] are doing a great job. Some people got disappointed because they were expecting the team to be a bit closer [to Liverpool] at this period of time,” Sagna said on talkSPORT after watching Liverpool’s smash and grab win over PSG. “The amount of injuries they’ve had and especially key injuries like Gabriel Jesus – it has been a big problem but I believe they’re having a great season.”
Sagna added, “They let some points go, especially against West Ham but overall the team is doing well. They have players that were recruited in the summer that are doing well so there are a lot of positives from this season.”
He admits it will be difficult to catch Liverpool, though. “It’s going to be difficult to catch Liverpool but when I look at the game they played against Paris Saint Germain, I’m thinking maybe they’re going to have times where they don’t perform so well.
“Maybe this is where Arsenal can maybe catch up and close the gap. The gap is big today but maybe it can be reduced. You never know. I believe Paris have a good chance at going through to the Champions League stage so then the vibe will be down. At the minute Liverpool is flying because of the results that they’re having but you never know.”
The former France defender also added: “Paris has the best style of football, they have amazing players, they have full confidence. They are flying in Ligue 1 so they can fully focus on the Champions League.
“When I look at how they played the other night I’m thinking it’s really hard to compete against them this season. The [past] focus on the team was based on the celebrity players. The mentality and the strategy has changed and they’re fully investing in young players.
“Some of the players we never expected to shine are shining today. [Bradley] Barcola is one of them. Now there is no pressure on one specific player, it’s about the teamwork and spirit they’ve brought to the club.”