Former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna believes Liverpool won't be feared in the same way as they were last season and are a different team without Sadio Mane.
The Reds were held to another draw by Everton in Saturday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, although both sides had plenty of chances to win the game.
Liverpool have already dropped nine points from a possible 18 so far this season, having drawn half of the Premier League games they have played. Jurgen Klopp’s side currently find themselves seventh in the table, six points behind leaders Arsenal.
READ MORE: FSG transfer reality becomes clear as Liverpool set for £115m boost
READ MORE: Danny Murphy claims Liverpool star is 'playing within himself' after long-term injury
“I feel Arsenal can be the main competition to Man City for the Premier League title, who of course remain the very strong favourites,” Sagna told Betway when asked about the title race.
During the summer transfer window, Liverpool parted ways with Mane after six years at the club. He scored an impressive 120 goals in that time and registered just shy of 50 assists for the Reds during his time at Anfield.
The Senegalese international was about to enter the final year of his contract but opted for a fresh challenge abroad. He joined Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich for an initial £27.5m with a potential £5m in add-ons.
And Sagna, who also represented Arsenal in the Premier League, believes the evidence so far this season suggests that the Reds don’t look the same powerful force that they used to with the former Southampton man in attack.
He said: “I don’t see any other team that can challenge them [City]. Of course you can’t totally rule out Liverpool, but they have lost Sadio Mane and don’t look the same without him.
“Mane and Mohamed Salah complemented each other so well and were so consistent, I’m not sure Liverpool will be feared in quite the same way this season. I think teams are just playing the way they want to play rather than just working defensively to stop Mane and Salah.
“Having already dropped points it’ll be difficult for Liverpool to catch up. With Arsenal having made a perfect start it feels like they could be the main contenders to compete with this incredible Manchester City side for the Premier League title.”
- READ MORE:
- Moises Caicedo makes Brighton transfer admission amid Liverpool links
- Thiago, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita - Liverpool injury news and return dates ahead of Napoli
- Danny Murphy claims Liverpool star is 'playing within himself' after long-term injury
- Liverpool 'could make January bid' for Nicolo Barella as £60m price tag emerges
- Jurgen Klopp finally has most effective weapon to fight Liverpool's 'uphill battle'
