BBC pundit Garth Crooks says Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker could play a decisive role in this season’s title race.
The Brazilian produced a string of excellent saves to help the Reds beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Saturday afternoon. The three points also take Jurgen Klopp’s side top of the league and Crooks said Alisson will be crucial if they are to stay there.”Liverpool fought with perseverance and tenacity to somehow get to the top.” While some pundits are tipping Manchester City to win, others have picked Arsenal and think even Aston Villa have a chance.
I started longing for ‘Liverpool’. They have the right goalkeeper for that.’ Klopp’s men sit second, a point above Arsenal, Villa third and City fourth, as the season approaches the halfway point. Looking at the xG for the match at Selhurst Park, Palace’s xG was just 1.79 and Liverpool’s was just 1.37. Based on those numbers, one could argue that the Eagles should have won 2-1 instead of the Reds.But having a world-class goalkeeper between the posts can be a deciding factor in tight games. Alisson’s save from Jefferson Lerma in the first half was superb.
He deflected the shot at goal and finished off Joachim Andersen’s header just before the end with his fingertips. The Reds are first in the league, but Manchester City are first. Although they are currently four points behind, they are still considered a chance to retain the title.
However, the Merseysiders’ odds have dropped significantly and many bookies now consider the Merseysiders as two favorites alongside Arsenal.
