Trent Alexander-Arnold is refusing to rule Manchester City out of the title race despite their continued poor run of form.
City have lost four of their last six Premier League games to fall off the pace in their attempt to defend their title for a fifth successive year.
One of those defeats came at Anfield — a 2-0 loss on December 1, a result which saw Liverpool move 11 points clear of their rivals.
Alexander-Arnold believes Liverpool made “a statement” in beating both City and Real Madrid in the space of a week but “wouldn’t be surprised” to see Pep Guardiola’s side return to their best and be back in the mix at the top of the table before the campaign is out.
“It’s a big surprise to everyone,” the right-back told Sky Sports News of City’s stuttering form.
“They probably have dropped more points than they probably ever have so far this season, but they’re a team that have four in a row, won a treble. They are incredibly strong with world-class players and an incredible manager as well, of course.
“You can never rule them out and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re back in the title race come the end of the season.”
GO DEEPER
Alexander-Arnold’s (r)evolution under Arne Slot
Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the summer with Alexander-Arnold impressing under his new head coach in a side topping both the Premier League and Champions League tables and as part of a backline that has conceded just 11 league goals.
The England international has admitted he didn’t know a lot about the former Feyenoord boss or his style of football before but was impressed almost immediately upon his arrival.
“The level of detail he has… I find myself smiling about it because that’s the kind of thing that I really enjoy,” he added.
“It’s just football in like a very, very in-depth level. I could tell from the first time I met him that I was going to enjoy playing under him and being a part of this.
“I’m feeling like I’m going to get better and improve and learn so much in such a short space of time and just keep on learning because could tell he was football obsessed and the level of detail was incredible.”
Liverpool are next in action on Saturday against Fulham in the Premier League.
(Carl Recine/Getty Images)
