Trent Alexander-Arnold has now explained how the Liverpool squad view their chances of finishing the Premier League season in the top four. The Reds currently rank in sixth place.
Liverpool have endured a disappointing season so far this term with just 39 points after 24 games. But the Anfield outfit are only outside of the top four by six points and hold a game in hand. Jurgen Klopp has also overseen three wins and a draw over their last four fixtures.
Manchester United will pose a real test for Liverpool’s recent run this Sunday as they travel to Merseyside. The Red Devils beat Klopp’s team 2-1 at Old Trafford back in August. Jadon Sancho (16’) and Marcus Rashford (53’) hit home before Mohamed Salah (81’) struck back.
Salah has gone on to score nine goals during his 24 Premier League appearances so far this season. Klopp has only played his goalkeeper Alisson Becker (2,160) for more minutes than the Egypt forward (2,139). Alexander-Arnold (1,787) has played the Reds’ third most so far.
Klopp’s belief in Salah to open all 24 of Liverpool’s matches has resulted in the 30-year-old directly influencing 13 points. As well as scoring nine goals, he has laid on five assists in the top-flight this term. He has also scored two and assisted one in the Reds’ past four fixtures.
Alexander-Arnold admits Liverpool finishing in the top four is ‘not in our hands’
Klopp will hope Salah and Liverpool’s form persists against Manchester United to maintain their hopes of finishing in the top four. The Reds trail Tottenham Hotspur by six points but have a game in hand. Yet Newcastle United in fifth place also hold two games over Spurs.
Michael Owen is ‘convinced’ that Liverpool will finish in the top four of the Premier League table if they avoid falling away across their next five games. Klopp’s team host Manchester United before they visit AFC Bournemouth, Manchester City, Chelsea and take on Arsenal.
Given their position in the Premier League table ahead of that run, Alexander-Arnold notes Liverpool know finishing in the top four is out of their direct control. But the Reds will work on what they can control: amassing points and putting pressure on the clubs around them.
“As a team, we understand it’s not in our hands,” Alexander-Arnold told Sky Sports. “We need results to go our way. But there’s still a long way to go and we have a lot of games to play. A lot can happen.
“It’s important for us to get points on the board and that’s where our heads are at. Come April and May, that’s when we know [where] we’ll stand. But, for now, we have to make sure we’re in a good position to push on.
“Three points against a team like United on Sunday will really help us in achieving that.”
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