A summer without a World Cup or Euros is like an extended international break in the season; weeks spent constantly searching the internet for transfer rumours, countless hours playing free online games, and perhaps even reconnecting with the family. The waiting is almost over though, and another season is just about upon us.
At the time of writing, and putting Liverpool’s transfer window and rumours aside for a moment, how have the teams who will be battling with them for the title fared this summer? Will they go into the new season a greater or lesser threat?
Manchester City
It has been an odd window for arguably Liverpool’s biggest rivals so far, with several big-name departures and really only two additions of note. Sterling may not have had his best season last time round, but he has been one of the most consistent performers for City in Guardiola’s time at the club. Jesus was never able to fill Aguero’s boots, and was not given the minutes on the pitch to really establish himself. Zinchenko is a quality player who provides bags of energy, and if he is not replaced, the team are only an injury away from big problems down that defensive flank.
The biggest loss is Fernandinho, who was crucial not just in shoring up the defence but in providing an attacking spark and threat. Phillips is a capable replacement, but is not yet up to the same level. Jesus’ replacement, Erling Haaland is undoubtedly top quality, but the team has not as a rule played with an out and out striker for a while, and the young player may take a while to get up to speed in the EPL.
Verdict: Weaker
Arsenal
On paper Arsenal have had a very good window. The expected departure of Lacazette aside, the club have strengthened significantly, exactly where they needed to, with Manchester City’s Zinchenko and Jesus likely to be given the starring roles they were never able to pin down at their former club.
Verdict: Stronger
Tottenham
Whether Spurs, or Arsenal for that matter are actually a rival for the title is a discussion for another day, but the North London outfit do have a manager capable of getting the most out of the undoubtedly talented group of players they have. Bergwijn has departed, but Conte has spent big and on the whole wisely. Highly rated England U21 full-back Djed Spence joined along with Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma and Richarlison. Their three biggest assets are still Conte, Kane and Son, but they are suddenly looking like a side that belong in the top four at least.
Verdict: Stronger
Chelsea
The post-Abramovich era began for Chelsea with a raft of departures, including misfiring Lukaku, the instrumental Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. Former Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly is highly thought of, but it is unlikely he will fit into the defensive structure as well as the departing German international. Sterling looks a decent buy, but the move comes on the back of his worst season domestically for some time. It is yet another period of flux and transition for the club, who only twelve months ago looked to have put themselves in a position of real title contenders. Little should be read into pre-season friendlies, but their recent mauling at the hands of Arsenal does not suggest they will be ready to compete just yet.
There have been reports that the Blues are vying for Benjamin Pavard’s signature, as has been reported by Fabrizio Romano (via Bayern Strikes) – an addition that would strengthen the squad, albeit not to such an extent as to worry the league’s top outfits.
Verdict: Weaker
Manchester United
The days of Manchester United being a title challenger seem both a long time ago, and a long way off. Erik ten Hag has his work cut out to turn the ship around, and though he is making the right noises it is beyond the realms of any man to turn the car crash of recent seasons into a competent outfit in a few short weeks or months. The three additions look decent on paper, but it is the departures that will benefit them the most.
Verdict: Stronger
The post Weaker or stronger? A look at Liverpool’s rivals for the title appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.
