Arsenal were handed a boost in the Premier League title race as Liverpool fell to a defeat to bitter rivals Everton on Wednesday night.
Jurgen Klopp’s side had the chance to go level with Arsenal, who do have a superior goal difference, but a 2-0 defeat at Goodison Park has significantly reduced their chances of title glory.
Liverpool are now three points behind Mikel Arteta’s team, and will need both Arsenal and Manchester City to drop points in at least two games if they are to win the league.
Klopp’s side have competed well in the race, particularly given the depth of their squad and the injuries they have suffered, but it now appears that they have run out of steam, and the German has now highlighted why Arsenal had an advantage over his team in the race.
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Jurgen Klopp highlights William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes fitness as advantage for Arsenal
Speaking after his side’s loss at Everton, Klopp was asked about Liverpool’s poor recent form, and he pointed out that Arsenal were able to play with a more settled defence given that William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have avoided injury all season.
“There are different aspects, definitely. Players who played all the games are not that fresh, but that is for other teams the same. I don’t want to use that as an excuse, really – as long as the boys are fit, not injured, that helps,” he explained.
“Let me say, Gabriel and [William] Saliba played all the games for Arsenal. Did they play a little bit less than us? I don’t even know 100 per cent – but they played a lot of games as well.
“Coming back from injury obviously is then slightly different, because of the intensity – the game is not waiting for you. Up front it is a super-intense job to do, always high sprint, always go, go, go and that we cannot change [players] there is difficult.”
Arsenal’s injuries compared to Liverpool’s this season
Liverpool have been unlucky that defender Joel Matip picked up a season-ending injury, whilst Ibrahima Konate has also missed a lot of games.
However, whilst Arsenal have been fortunate to have Saliba and Gabriel fit all season, this is where the good injury luck ends. Jurrien Timber has been absent since the opening day, whilst Mikel Arteta was only able to line up with his best midfield trio in Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard for the first time this week.
In 2024, Arsenal have conceded six times in 14 league games in 2024, with the partnership of Saliba and Gabriel thriving. Meanwhile, Liverpool have conceded 18 in 2024, and there are more problems for Klopp to address rather than worrying about Arsenal’s fitness record.