Liverpool will also suffer a dip – Hasselbaink names the team that can challenge Liverpool

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Photo: Robin Jones/Getty Images

Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has ruled out his former club as contenders for the Premier League title this season, naming Arsenal as the sole team capable of catching league leaders Liverpool.

Speaking to BetMGM, Hasselbaink highlighted Liverpool’s commanding form:

“I don’t think the title race is over yet. Yes, it’s going to be hard [to catch Liverpool], but if Arsenal, and it’s only Arsenal in my eyes, can go on a run then you never know.”

Liverpool, under Arne Slot, have been exceptional, sitting six points clear at the top of the table and unbeaten in the Champions League. However, Hasselbaink foresees a potential dip in their form:

“Liverpool will go through a sticky patch, it always happens. It’s then a case of how close can Arsenal get to them?”

Arsenal, currently second, are aiming to finally clinch the title under Mikel Arteta after being edged out by Manchester City in the past two seasons. Hasselbaink stressed the importance of consistency for the Gunners:

“Arsenal have no room to draw or lose matches now. Their mindset just has to be three points – almost business-like – and that’s the only way they will put pressure on Liverpool.”

He also pointed to the challenges Liverpool might face as their Champions League campaign intensifies:

“When the Champions League gets bigger and more competitive, it’s going to be harder for Liverpool to maintain things.”

Chelsea, meanwhile, were notably absent from Hasselbaink’s analysis of title contenders, signalling the uphill battle the Blues face in the current campaign.