Nicol: Mikel’s gift of the Gab will make it tougher for Reds
LIVERPOOL will struggle to keep Arsenal at bay, Reds legend Steve Nicol has warned.
Since losing to Manchester City in February, Mikel Arteta’s men have bagged maximum points, are top of the Premier League pile and in stunning form.
Gabriel Jesus, who had been sidelined since December with a knee injury, is also now back to lead the line after his layoff.
And Nicol
(right) reckons the Gunners are firing on all cylinders as they look to secure a first Premier League title since 2003.
“Jesus coming back gives them even more impetus,” he said.
“But they weren’t counting down the days. After signing Leandro Trossard it was almost ‘Jesus who’? But they are a better side with him.
“They’re complete. Not just one to 11, but one to 15 or 16.”
Meanwhile, midtable Liverpool have not found their groove and look unlikely to secure a European slot next term.
Jurgen Klopp’s men played out a dire 0-0 draw with stuttering Chelsea in midweek.
And they were also dismantled 4-1 by City at The Etihad.
Nicol, a four-time title winner with the Reds, fears his old club could be blown away by the highflying Gunners today.
“Normally, I’d say Arsenal have got some tough games left,” he added.
“But other than the City game later this month, Arsenal are big favourites to beat everybody – including
Liverpool at Anfield.
“And I can’t believe I’m saying that. In my day, Liverpool against Arsenal generally was a tough old 90 minutes for Arsenal.
“But it’s hard to see that happening. They’re confident and in such good form.
“The goals they’re scoring, creating chances and the way they’re playing, there doesn’t seem to be a flaw right now.
“If anything goes wrong, it’ll be down to Arteta not doing the right things between now and the end.”