Jurgen Klopp has ruled out Arsenal and Manchester City as Liverpool's top four challengers indicating their spots in the Champions League places are safe. The Reds returned to Premier League action with a 3-1 win against Aston Villa, moving them five points away from Tottenham who sit fourth.
The Gunners and Manchester City kept their lead at the Premier League's summit after both registering 3-1 wins against West Ham and Leeds, respectively. Mikel Arteta's side came from a goal down with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah all on target, while Erling Haaland grabbed a brace in the victory for Pep Guardiola's men.
Three points acquired for both means we are in the same position before the World Cup with Arsenal ahead of their title rivals by five points. City face Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, while Arsenal play a few hours later on the same against Brighton.
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The January transfer window could prove to be a pivotal month in determining the winner of the title race with Guardiola making an admission that could offer a minimal boost to Arsenal. "I think we're not going to sign any player in January, so we're going to finish this way," he said ahead of their clash with Leeds.
The reason this boost is perhaps only minimal is because City already have a talent-filled squad and there are no obvious positions in need of an upgrade or more depth. Arsenal meanwhile, look set to do business in the winter window with Mykhaylo Mudryk at the top of their list of targets.
Shakhtar rejected Arsenal's first offer of £55million plus add-ons but the north London outfit are expected to return with a higher offer in the coming days.
Although their focus will be on the title, it should be remembered Arsenal were pipped to top four last season by Spurs and they now sit 11 points clear of Manchester United in fifth, with Klopp suggesting their spot, and City's, in the Champions League next season is all but sealed.
When speaking about Liverpool's top four hopes, he said: "Only four can make it and it looks at the moment there are two places left. Arsenal are having an exceptional season, City are City."
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