Jamie Carragher reckons the trump card Liverpool hold over Manchester City and Arsenal is their substitutes.
The Premier League has an exciting three-team title race with just 11 games to go. There’s only two points separating the trio of challengers, making for one of the most eagerly-anticipated run-ins in recent memory.
All three teams are in fine form and there’s little to pick them apart as things stand. But Reds legend Carragher reckons his former side’s strength from the bench could prove to be the difference.
“I think since the five substitute rule has come in, no one’s utilised it better than Jurgen Klopp,” he argued. “We spoke about Arsenal earlier on and you think how can they win the league.
“They’re the best defensively, Manchester City are probably the best team with the best individuals, but this is where Liverpool can win the league from the bench because Klopp always uses five subs.”
Carragher compared the number of subs used, with Liverpool’s 119 this season “dwarfing” City’s 74, with Arsenal “a little bit closer” on 107.
He also pointed out the percentage of goals each team have scored after the 76th minute. While City and Arsenal’s is 24%, Liverpool’s is 38% – more than they’ve scored in the first half of matches.
“So it shows that the power from the bench, certainly in terms of scoring goals, and they’ve got players ready to come off the bench, they’ve got quality, and credit to Jurgen Klopp,” Carragher continued.
Klopp’s firepower has been limited in recent weeks, however, due to an injury crisis both up front and in defence. He’ll be majorly boosted by the expected return of Mohamed Salah when they welcome City to Anfield this Sunday (March 10).