Liverpool are likely out of the Premier League title race before it has even begun after losing against Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.

The Reds have already faced last season’s top two this term, but having been beaten by both the Gunners and Manchester City on home turf, a Champions League finish looks like being the limit for them in 2026/27.

Pennant frustrated by Alisson mistake

Despite losing, there were definitely positives for Liverpool on Sunday. For 30 minutes in the first-half they absolutely battered Arsenal, and had they scored the result would surely have been different.

That they didn’t – and couldn’t even manage a shot on target – will be concerning for everyone involved, as will the fact that they gave up a goal so easily.

Although there was plenty of football between him selling Jeremy Jacquet short and Kai Havertz tapping into his goal, Alisson was obviously at fault for the game-winning strike, and many Liverpool fans will have agreed with Pennant’s sentiments after the match.

“One stupid STUPID mistake which is unlike Alisson cost us the game, but all in all I’m coming away deflated but I’m happy with what I saw,” the former winger posted on X.

“At no point did I feel worried about Arsenal throughout that game. Macca [Mac Allister] missed a sitter that would’ve changed everything. But we are definitely title contenders, we are definitely going to be challenging. YNWA”

Ultimately, home losses to City and Arsenal would suggest a different reality. However, Liverpool were equal to Enzo Maresca’s team before Ryan Gravenberch’s harsh sending off in October, and they were unlucky not to get something from Sunday’s game too.

A title challenge will likely be beyond them, but if they can cut out the silly errors and become more clinical in the final third, the signs are there that this Liverpool team do have more levels to reach. It might not be this season, but the Reds can certainly look forward to challenging again under Iraola.