Former Reds goalkeeper David James has reversed his prediction that Liverpool will be beaten to the Premier League title by Arsenal this season – for one simple reason. And that is the signing of Thiago Alcantara that has made the pundit change his mind. James had predicted after Arsenal’s opening day win over Fulham that Arsenal had a chance to win the title this season.
David James had said “As everyone knows, winning the league is not easy. Winning the league twice is very, very difficult. When Liverpool have had almost two perfect seasons, you wonder whether they can reproduce that. As a football follower, I just like what Mikel Arteta’s doing and I think they’ve got the chance.”
But now he has changed his mind and reversed his statement.
David James said “I have to clarify, I did mention this before Thiago joined Liverpool! That is the trouble with pre-season predictions – things can change very quickly! I like what Mikel is trying to do and he has made some fundamental changes. Jurgen Klopp did this with Liverpool, let’s be right. When he signed at Liverpool, he didn’t bring anyone in during that first transfer window. He got what was a squad of players that was getting a lot of stick and galvanised them to become a formidable force. Mikel has done that at Arsenal and I figured that there will be a continuation from that. This isn’t me saying Liverpool wouldn’t challenge and Arsenal would win it hands down, I just felt that of the sides who will show improvement, Arsenal could. It’s an outside shout, of course, but I like what Arteta is doing. But then Liverpool signed Thiago and I can’t change what I said before, but given the changes, Liverpool have definitely put themselves back in front because Thiago is something special. Thiago and Diogo Jota are two key signings and without wanting to put pressure on them, Liverpool should win the league now. Bayern Munich are a juggernaut and you can’t see where they are going to be stopped – Liverpool were essentially that side and if buying Thiago and Jota puts them back or even improves them on that, Liverpool will be one hell of a side to stop.”
