"87 Points Will be Enough!" – Dave Hendrick Explains How Liverpool Will Win the Premier League Title
Liverpool continues to lead the Premier League, holding a commanding eight-point gap over their closest pursuer, Arsenal. Despite recent setbacks, Dave Hendrick of The Daily Red podcast on Anfield Index remains unwavering in his belief that Arne Slot’s side is still in control of their destiny. In a detailed analysis, Hendrick addressed the latest performances and key concerns from supporters, offering a clear and optimistic outlook on the club’s title prospects.
Liverpool’s Title Destiny Remains in Their Hands
Hendrick vehemently dismissed the "doom-mongering" among some fans, firmly stating that Liverpool remains in the best position to lift the trophy. He pointed out that, contrary to the panic, Liverpool did not lose their latest match and even extended their lead at the top. “Not only did we not lose last night, we actually extended our lead at the top of the table,” he emphasized. Despite the occasional dropped points, Hendrick remains confident that Liverpool’s path to the title is clear. “If we win our seven home games, that means we need five points away from home… I’ve said all along, 87 points will be more than enough to win the league,” he confidently asserted. This calculation places significant pressure on Arsenal to achieve near-perfection for the remainder of the season. Hendrick argued, “Anyone that thinks they’re going to win 12 of 13 just hasn’t been paying attention to them,” highlighting the Gunners’ inconsistent attacking form.
Missed Chances and Defensive Issues: Where Liverpool Fell Short
Liverpool’s recent draw was undoubtedly frustrating, especially given the numerous opportunities to secure a decisive victory. Hendrick pointed out several missed chances, particularly from Darwin Núñez, who squandered a one-on-one opportunity. “Darwin had two big chances—the one where Salah puts it on a plate for him and the one where he gets in and Martinez comes out… all he needs to do is flick that ball in field,” he lamented. Instead, Núñez hesitated, leading to a missed opportunity. The defensive side of the game also remains a critical talking point. Hendrick highlighted key vulnerabilities, noting, “Trent is not defending well and hasn’t for a while… Andy Robertson’s having a rocky season… we don’t have a defensive midfielder.” However, he argued that these issues are more about individual performance than systemic problems. “It’s not a system thing—it’s an individual thing,” he clarified, indicating that addressing these issues might require tactical adjustments and better focus from the players.
Arsenal’s Tough Run-In: Why the Gunners May Struggle
A significant part of Hendrick’s analysis focused on Arsenal’s remaining fixtures and their difficulty in maintaining the pace required to catch Liverpool. “The highest they can get is 89 points, meaning they’d need to win 12 of their last 13,” he pointed out, casting doubt on their ability to achieve such a relentless run. Hendrick also questioned Arsenal’s depth and sustainability in attack. “Not having Saka, Havertz, Martinelli, and Jesus is going to cost them—it’s unsustainable,” he argued, suggesting that the lack of attacking options could hinder their ability to break down teams over the coming weeks. With challenging fixtures against teams like Manchester United, Newcastle, and Brentford, Hendrick sees potential slip-ups ahead. “They drew at home to Brighton, lost at Bournemouth, drew with Fulham, lost at Newcastle, drew with Everton… but we draw away to Villa and the sky is falling in for some people,” he noted, highlighting the hypocrisy in the criticism of Liverpool’s results.
Confidence in Liverpool’s Ability to Get Over the Line
Despite the frustrations from the last match, Hendrick remains bullish about Liverpool’s chances. “We should have won the game,” he insisted. “If we take our chances, we’re winning it by two or three goals.” He also praised the manager’s approach, stating, “Arne Slot coached to win last night. The criticism of him is just silly.” Ultimately, Hendrick remains convinced that the Premier League title is still within Liverpool’s control. “We’re still top of the league—stop the meltdowns,” he said, dismissing the negativity from some quarters. With Manchester City up next, the pressure is on, but Hendrick is not deterred. He boldly concluded, “We’re going to beat City at the weekend.”
Looking Forward: A Strong Finish for Liverpool
Hendrick’s confident stance is rooted in a deep understanding of the team’s strengths and the challenges ahead. While acknowledging the recent setbacks, he remains focused on the big picture and the club’s ultimate goal. The upcoming fixtures, including the crucial clash with Manchester City, will test Liverpool’s mettle. However, with a solid defensive structure, improved attacking efficiency, and a managerial team that is fully committed to winning, Liverpool is well-equipped to navigate the remaining hurdles and secure the Premier League title. As the season enters its final stretch, the club’s fans and followers can draw inspiration from Hendrick’s unwavering belief and the strategic clarity he brings to the table.
