The former Manchester United defender has shared his thoughts on the start of the season as Liverpool find themselves in a much stronger position than their arch rivals.
Former Manchester United player and current Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has made a surprising admission about Liverpool’s strong start to the season.
Despite initially underestimating the Reds, Neville acknowledged their impressive performances but stuck to his prediction that Arsenal would win the Premier League title.
Liverpool currently sit fourth in the Premier League after a 2-2 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion. The team have suffered just one defeat so far this season, which has caused controversy in north London.
Neville admits Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have exceeded his expectations this season.
“By the way, I’m not changing my predictions for those of you who think I’m flip-flopping,” Neville explained on the Gary Neville Podcast.
“But from what I’ve seen in eight to ten weeks, Manchester United are a lot worse than I thought, Tottenham are a lot better than I thought, Liverpool are better than I thought. It’s probably the same reason as most people.
Neville previously predicted Liverpool would finish ahead of Spurs but behind Manchester City and Arsenal.
However, he then delivered a brutal verdict on his former club, stating that he did not believe Manchester United would finish in the top five this season.
He attributes this to the goalkeeper not getting comfortable quickly, which caused instability within the team.
“I don’t think Manchester United will finish in the top five this season, I just don’t think so,” Neville said. “I think they are far away. I’m surprised because seven or eight weeks ago I had to let them finish third again.
But honestly, what I see now, I don’t think the goalkeeper has stabilized.” quickly-I think he should have saved him yesterday. I think that’s a problem.
On the other hand, Neville believes Chelsea are closer to the top five, citing their talented young players as an advantage.
He points out that the age of their team is better than United’s and emphasizes that they have the potential to climb the table if they can string together a winning streak.
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Liverpool’s next match after the international break is against Everton at Anfield on October 21.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see whether Neville’s predictions come true or whether Liverpool continue to defy expectations.
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool have been better this season, although that shouldn’t be a surprise.
Last season the midfield was in desperate need of an overhaul, so it’s no surprise that players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister came in and improved things.
However, there is still work to be done before the Reds look like the finished article.
There have been issues in defense so far this season, with a first-choice number six ideally needed to free up Mac Allister.
All in all, Marcel’s prediction seems right so far. Liverpool look stronger than Manchester United and Chelsea and could perhaps mount a title challenge, although one suspects they will need reinforcements in January, but a top-four finish seems within reach.
