Robbie Savage disagrees defence wins titles, and compares records of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.
Robbie Savage
Robbie Savage has told The Mirror he believes Liverpool are proving that an attacking team can go on to win the Premier League.
The Reds top the division at present, but have a long way to go, with just 11 of 38 games played to date.
Quizzed by a fan whether Liverpool’s challenge is destined to tail off because ‘defences win titles’ and they concede too many goals, Savage had this response, simply stating Tottenham would love to swap positions with them.
He said: “Hang on a minute – Liverpool have scored nearly twice as many goals as Tottenham, while Spurs have the best defensive record in the Premier League (six goals conceded in 11 games). But Tottenham are fifth in the table and Liverpool are top – I know where Mauricio Pochettino would rather be.”
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
Savage’s point is obvious, yet at the same time, he sidesteps the fact that for Liverpool to get through the season with a poor defence may be asking too much.
The famous example was Newcastle in 1995/96, whose defensive frailty eventually came to haunt them, as their attack lost it’s momentum late into the season.
Tottenham are showing an unerring consistency defensively, following up from last season, and while their attacking problems are just as big an issue at present as Liverpool’s backline, it is too early to rule either side out of mounting a serious challenge for the title.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool should certainly not be dismissed, as unlike other sides, they do not have European football to distract and wear down their players.
The biggest threat could be from Chelsea, who have the same advantage, but appear to have a better balance of attack and defence, and are just one point back from Liverpool.
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
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