League leaders Arsenal handed Liverpool their second defeat of this campaign, as many as they picked up through the entirety of last season, leaving the Reds 14 points off the Gunners.
It also leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side six points off Chelsea who sit in fourth, and while the possibility of no Champions League football remains a far-fetched scenario, fixtures including Manchester City this weekend, as well as three European ties before the end of October means there is little respite for the Reds.
To Not Finish in the Top Four Odds
| Team | Finish Outside of Top Four Outright Odds |
| Manchester City | 33/1 |
| Arsenal | 10/3 |
| Tottenham | 11/10 |
| Chelsea | 11/10 |
| Liverpool | 1/1 |
| Manchester United | 4/9 |
In the aftermath of the weekend’s result, last season’s runners-up are now as short as evens to finish outside the Champions League places. This is a nigh-unfathomable thought given how ferociously they chased Manchester City last season, closing a 10+ point gap to take the title race down to the final day.
Of course, the Champions League finalists have more than enough quality to not only claw their way back into the top four, but also mount a title challenge if last season is any indication of their resolve.
Game over for Liverpool ❌ pic.twitter.com/AxdvHcFFpU
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 9, 2022
However, they face a rampant Manchester City side this weekend who, despite sitting a point off Arsenal in the current standings, have scored a staggering 33 goals in nine games, including 13 in their last three. Add to that injuries to Luis Diaz, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold, a team lacking in confidence and a goal-hungry Erling Haaland, it could well be a perfect storm for Liverpool.
The build-up to this weekend is certainly a far cry from the narratives witnessed last season, where Liverpool and Manchester City were the two undisputed in-form teams in world football, playing out two incredible 2-2 draws in the league before the Reds claimed an enthralling 3-2 victory in the FA Cup final back in April.
Liverpool are also now priced at 4/1 to finish in the top two behind Chelsea (7/2) and Arsenal (11/10) in current football betting on bet365.
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