Sports Mole examines Liverpool’s strength of depth and if that gives them an advantage over Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
Liverpool‘s squad depth is arguably the strongest in the Premier Leaue and this has allowed them to take advantage of title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal this season.
Sitting five points clear of Pep Guardiola‘s City and a staggering nine points ahead of Arteta’s Gunners, Arne Slot can hardly have had a better start to life at Anfield.
However, some have suggested that the Reds have been fortunate with injuries compared to their rivals, and that the team will naturally drop off once stars begin to drop out of the XI.
While it is fair to claim that Arsenal and City have had their issues with absentees this campaign, Liverpool expert David Lynch argues that Slot’s side have had issues too, telling Sports Mole: “Look at who Liverpool are missing at the moment. Alisson and Trent – for only that small part of the game [against Aston Villa] – but they miss them.
“[They’re] missing Jota as well, who would be the starting centre-forward. Harvey Elliott, who I think would have played an awful lot of minutes, Chiesa, who would be helpful to have around as an option, that’s for sure.
“City’s injuries have also highlighted this, that Liverpool, you can argue about best first 11, but I think Liverpool have got the strongest squad of the three title contenders.”
Indeed, Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off as a result of a hamstring injury against Aston Villa in the first half last Saturday, but Conor Bradley stepped in for the vice-captain and the Reds still found a way to win without Trent’s creativity, highlighting just some of the strong options throughout the squad.
Arsenal’s and Manchester City’s injuries assessed
Much has been made of Arsenal’s injury crisis in 2024-25, with the likes of Martin Odegaard having missed a large part of the season so far.
The captain’s absence has been particularly harmful for Arteta’s side in the final third, with the team on track to score roughly 30 goals fewer this term than they did last season.
Other players such as Declan Rice and William Saliba have missed matches due to suspension, while the likes of Mikel Merino have been absent because of injury, and Ben White is also set to be absent for a number of weeks.
Having said that, many of these players have only been unavailable for short periods, while the bulk of the Arsenal’s squad from 2023-24 have been fit enough to start.
Considering Arsenal are struggling to stay in the race for the Premier League title after just 11 matchweeks, it is not unreasonable to suggest that the North London side appear very dependent on keeping their key players fit despite spending almost £700m since Arteta’s appointment.
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As for City, their poor form over the past weeks is perhaps not wholly unexpected considering they are missing Ballon d’Or winner and midfield anchor Rodri, and will likely be without him for the remainder of the season.
Additionally, the Citizens have also been forced to contend with a number of defensive absentees such as Ruben Dias and John Stones, while centre-backs Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake were only deemed ready for the bench during their 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
Nonetheless, the extent to which Guardiola’s side have struggled in defensive transition is surprising, and although they have faced a number of injury issues in the backline, their underlying reliance on Rodri is concerning.
City’s win rate win rate with the Spaniard in the team since 2022-23 stands at 78%, but without him this figure drops to an alarming 57%.
Liverpool’s injuries assessed
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Meanwhile, Liverpool have had to contend with the absences of players including goalkeeper Alisson Becker and striker Diogo Jota, and they could be without Alexander-Arnold against Southampton after the November international break.
However, as Lynch told Sports Mole, the Reds have found ways of dealing with their injuries, saying: “We’ve seen City and Arsenal get injuries, but not an unusual amount in comparison to Liverpool at the moment.
“I don’t think [Arsenal and City] are streets ahead in terms of injury crises, or anywhere near where Liverpool were last season, and yet Liverpool are coping better.
“If that’s going to be the case between now and the end of the season, then [Liverpool] will be the ones who pick up the most points, because you have to deal with those setbacks, and that disruption that comes with injuries, and Liverpool look best placed to do that.”
No need for January reinforcements?
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Though the Reds attempted to strengthen in the summer transfer window, ultimately failing to sign defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi, their form in the opening stages of the season could mean that they do not feel the need to make additions to the squad in January.
Ryan Gravenberch has performed exceptionally as a holding midfielder, while others such as CaoimhÃn Kelleher and Bradley have seamlessly taken up the positions of more senior players.
Having said that, perhaps the Anfield hierarchy should consider making signings in the winter considering Liverpool arguably have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table even further given the vulnerability of their opponents.
City won 16 and drew three of their 19 games in the second half of their 2023-24 Premier League season, and if Liverpool were to sign players in January, they may be better positioned to stave off a similar run of form from the champions this campaign.
Regardless, the Reds have held together well despite their injury issues and the players that have filled in for would-be-starters have so far shown that Slot can rely on the entire squad.
Sports Mole editor Barney Corkhill spoke with Liverpool expert David Lynch to discuss Liverpool’s strength of depth, and whether the Reds boast an advantage in this area over title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.
Press play on the video at the top of this article to hear the full discussion.
