Arne Slot told Liverpool CAN win Premier League - as Arsenal issued damning warning
Arne Slot has enjoyed a dream start to life at Liverpool and former Reds midfielder Didi Hamann believes his old club can go all the way in the Premier League title race this year
by Dan Marsh · The MirrorDidi Hamann is adamant that Liverpool have a "great chance" of winning the Premier League under Arne Slot this year.
Not many people tipped the Reds to challenge for the title following the departure of Jurgen Klopp in the summer but Slot has enjoyed a fine start to life at Anfield with Liverpool currently top of the table.
Slot's team beat Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday to lay down a marker to their rivals at the top of the table, while Arsenal - who have been touted as Manchester City's primary title rivals - slipped up away at Bournemouth following another red card.
And while it's still very early on in the Slot premiership, Hamann has already seen enough of Liverpool to be convinced that a title push is on the way under their new head coach.
"I think Liverpool have shown they can win the Premier League, apart from the Nottingham Forest game, they've been brilliant," Hamann told FlashScore. "The team functions well, everyone is happy and psychologically, and the win against Chelsea is huge. It was an even game but Liverpool came out on top, which is a massive sign of intent.
"Manchester City have lost Rodri, he can't be replaced and Arsenal dropped points, I think Liverpool have a great chance to win the Premier League and go far in the Champions League."
Liverpool were expected to endure a transitional season under Slot despite running Manchester City close in the title over the last few year years under Klopp.
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But that hasn't deterred Hamann, who doubled down on his prediction and even went one further by calling what the top four will look like come May. Despite Arsenal's renaissance under Mikel Arteta, Hamann reckons they'll finish behind City and Liverpool at the top, while he's also tipping their bitter rivals, Tottenham, to finish in fourth.
Hamann has concerns over Arsenal due to the fact that Kai Havertz, their first-choice No.9, is not an out-and-out striker - something he thinks that will come back to haunt them after they opted against signing another centre forward in the summer.
He added: "I've always thought that Kai Havertz is not a striker, he needs to play deeper but Arsenal have Martin Odegaard there. Havertz is a hugely talented player, his numbers are a lot better than what most people would predict. But, I think he has a lot more to offer. I hope he can come out of his shell, he can take games by the scruff of the neck.
"I don't know why Havertz is not playing behind Gabriel Jesus as a striker while Odegaard is injured. I think the Arsenal team could be much better, a big reason why they won't win the league this season is because they did not buy a centre forward in the summer."
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