Jamie Redknapp names Arsenal’s ‘MAJOR problem’ in Premier League title race – and it isn’t injuries or Man City

Jamie Redknapp has identified Liverpool as Arsenal’s ‘major problem’ in the Premier League title race after Arne Slot’s side moved five points clear at the top of the table.

Arne Slot’s debut season at Liverpool couldn’t be going better with the Reds losing just once in 11 Premier League fixtures and taking charge of the title race ahead of the upcoming international break.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s ambitions of finally becoming English champions after twice finishing runners-up to City have been dealt an early blow with Mikel Arteta’s side 10 points adrift of Liverpool.

The Gunners can reduce the deficit to just seven points by winning Sunday’s London derby against rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in what many have tipped as a must-win clash for the title hopefuls.

City have been Arsenal’s title rivals over the past two seasons with both teams going toe-to-toe until the final day last season, but Redknapp believes Liverpool are now the biggest threat.

Mikel Arteta is attempting to navigate Arsenal through a tricky run of Premier League form

Liverpool are flying at the top of the league table heading into the international break

Refusing to believe the title race is already reaching the point of no return given Liverpool’s stunning run of form, Redknapp has questioned whether Arsenal can rediscover their previous best form.

‘I still think there is a lot to be played. We are still not sure what will happen with Liverpool, the new manager is in uncharted territory,’ Redknapp told Sky Sports.

He continued: ‘Liverpool are Arsenal’s major problem right now.’

Liverpool’s surprise stunning start under Slot – who replaced Klopp in the summer – comes at a time when both City and Arsenal have fallen short of their former standards.

Brighton’s 2-1 comeback win against City at the Amex on Saturday evening dealt Pep Guardiola a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in his celebrated managerial career and leaves the reigning champions five points adrift of the summit.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have been ransacked by an injury crisis to key personnel with Martin Odegaard only just returning from a lengthy lay-off and Declan Rice a doubt for Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge.

Redknapp believes Liverpool are Arsenal’s biggest rivals for the league title this season

Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter believes Gunners captain Odegaard has been a huge miss in midfield but admitted it is a gamble risking him against Chelsea.

‘Especially with Odegaard missing, problems with centre-backs, build-up not as clean, Odegaard is huge miss from creative aspect,’ he said.

‘Taking a gamble is tricky to do as they don’t want to lose him for another three months. 

‘It’s not as simple as him being fit and playing 90 minutes but he gives confidence to everyone else,’ he added.