Liverpool’s Premier League ambitions have once again been questioned, this time by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who bluntly claimed the Reds don’t look like serious contenders this season.
His criticism followed Liverpool’s labored performance against 10-man Newcastle, a match where Jurgen Klopp’s side failed to make their advantage count. Despite the numerical edge, Liverpool looked disjointed — with sloppy passing, an unconvincing midfield, and an attack that lacked its usual spark.
Newcastle, even undermanned, still carved out chances and exposed defensive flaws Ferdinand insists are too glaring to ignore. To him, this wasn’t just an off night, but a sign of Liverpool’s shaky consistency.
While fans remain hopeful of a title push, Ferdinand argues Liverpool trail Manchester City and Arsenal, relying too often on flashes of individual brilliance rather than the grit needed to grind out results.
The debate has also been fueled by speculation linking Newcastle striker Alexander Isak with Anfield. Ferdinand suggested Liverpool’s display hardly made them an attractive destination for elite players.
Reactions online were split — some Reds fans admitted the team looked “flat,” while others dismissed Ferdinand’s remarks as typical United bias. Rival supporters, meanwhile, mocked Liverpool as “pretenders.”
With City and Arsenal setting the pace, every slip feels costly. For Arne Slot’s side, the challenge is clear: find their ruthlessness and prove they belong in the title race
