A heated debate erupted on live television as Manchester United legend Roy Keane launched a scathing attack on Liverpool's Premier League title defence, labelling them "poor champions".
Keane's brutal assessment of Liverpool's collapse
The fiery exchange occurred ahead of Liverpool's crucial clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday, with the Reds sitting a significant 14 points off the pace in the title race. Keane did not hold back in his criticism of Arne Slot's side, drawing parallels with their failed defence under Jurgen Klopp several years ago.
"They've been poor champions, poor champions," Keane stated. "When you win the title for big clubs, it's about what you do the following season... To be so far off it, to be 13 points worse off than they were last year, it's a big drop off." He pointed to a collapse that began in late September, following a defeat to Crystal Palace, which sparked a losing run that saw their lead at the summit vanish.
Sturridge hits back citing injury crisis
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge immediately challenged Keane's claim, arguing that a crippling injury crisis has devastated the squad. Sturridge highlighted the absences of key big-money signings like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, as well as the tragic loss of Diogo Jota.
"You've made the case there that if they were poor champions, if they had players available... we can't negate the fact that they've lost players that they've spent money on," Sturridge countered. He insisted the team's philosophy and performance had been fundamentally altered by these setbacks.
Keane doubles down on champions' expectations
Despite Sturridge's interjections, the former Manchester United captain doubled down on his original point. Keane acknowledged the challenges of injuries but argued that true champions find a way to overcome them.
"They're the challenges that you face when you're champions, people are after you, injuries, setbacks but they've not done the hard yards," Keane concluded. The dispute highlighted the intense scrutiny on Liverpool, who were widely tipped to defend their crown after a record-breaking summer spend on players like Florian Wirtz and Isak. With Arsenal having a chance to move 17 points clear of Liverpool with a victory, the pressure on Slot's side is immense.
