Liverpool forces Premier League title rethink after Arne Slot ends 'two-horse race' talk
Arne Slot’s impressive start to life as Liverpool head coach has seen the Reds emerge as serious title contenders – at least that’s what the bookmakers say.
Since taking over from Jurgen Klopp during the summer, Slot has hit the ground running with nine wins out of 10 in all competitions. Saturday’s win over Crystal Palace ensured Liverpool will head into the second international break top of the Premier League.
The Reds have accumulated 18 points out of a possible 21 so far, with a defeat to Nottingham Forest the sole blot on their copybook. Their brilliant form sees them leading Manchester City and Arsenal at the moment, with last season’s top two sitting a point behind in the table.
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Liverpool’s title credentials are set to come under further scrutiny after the international break, with games against Chelsea and Arsenal to come later this month, while Aston Villa awaits in November before they face City and Newcastle at the start of December.
Nevertheless, the Reds are already defying some expectations. Few had tipped Slot to challenge Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta at the top of the table this season, with former Manchester United captain Gary Neville even going as far as saying Liverpool wouldn’t make the top six.
Based on this early evidence though, the Reds could find themselves in the conversation for the title. At the very least, the bookmakers have slashed their odds on lifting the Premier League trophy in May.
British bookies Ladbrokes have Liverpool as third favorite to win the title at 7/2. Arsenal is considered the favorite at 6/4, while City are priced at 13/8.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Plenty had this down as a two-horse title race at the start of the season, but Arne Slot's men have flown out of the traps and emerged as serious contenders over the last few weeks."
"Having been 8/1 shots before a ball was kicked, an impressive start has forced our traders to slash odds on Liverpool FC going all the way to just 7/2."
Premier League winner odds (Ladbrokes)
Arsenal - 6/4
Man City - 13/8
Liverpool - 7/2
Chelsea - 20/1
Tottenham - 50/1
Aston Villa - 100/1
Man United - 125/1
Newcastle - 125/1