Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Liverpool are genuine contenders for this season's Premier League title.
Brendan Rodgers' side have propelled themselves into the top four courtesy of a run of six wins in eight league matches in 2014, which included a 5-1 victory over Wenger's side at Anfield.
They trail league leaders Chelsea by four points and are three behind the second-placed Gunners.
And Wenger feels that the confidence from this run, coupled with them being unburdened by European football, means Liverpool are in the running to be champions.
"It's very tight at the top, Liverpool are in the race, and they have an advantage as it is the only competition they play," said Wenger.
Arsenal face Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday and are keen to build on their resounding 4-1 win over Sunderland last weekend.
Wenger is challenging his squad to find some consistency to maintain their own challenge in what he thinks will be one of the tightest title races in years.
"I hope it will be tight until the end, because then it will be interesting and if you are consistent then you have a chance to win," said the Frenchman.
"You need to be at your best to find the resources to win games, this is a big game for us and of course this weekend we just want to focus on the three points.
"We got the three points against Sunderland who are a tricky team, so we want to do it again.
"We have to look at our results, just focus on that and not speculate too much because we're in a period where we have to move forward."
Arsenal have struggled at times at the Britannia where Stoke, under the guidance of former boss Tony Pulis, often out-muscled the Gunners.
However, Wenger feels his side may have greater success against the Potters now they are managed by Mark Hughes, who has looked to expand on Pulis' regimented game-plan.
"We had some bad memories but also some good ones as well," said Wenger. "It's a stadium where before, first of all the pitch was narrow and difficult to play, a bit more open to the wind.
"But recently we have shown as well it's down to the performance on the day. If you perform on Saturday that's all that counts.
"Yes it probably is better for us now though, because we went sometimes to Stoke, who had a rough style, we had young players and it was difficult.
"But they have good players, they have done well in the league, they qualified for the Europa league. So they are a real challenge.
"Every manager has his own style, he (Hughes) has experience and has shown he can do well. Given time he will print his own style of play."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Liverpool are genuine contenders for this season's Premier League title.
Brendan Rodgers' side have propelled themselves into the top four courtesy of a run of six wins in eight league matches in 2014, which included a 5-1 victory over Wenger's side at Anfield.
They trail league leaders Chelsea by four points and are three behind the second-placed Gunners.
And Wenger feels that the confidence from this run, coupled with them being unburdened by European football, means Liverpool are in the running to be champions.
"It's very tight at the top, Liverpool are in the race, and they have an advantage as it is the only competition they play," said Wenger.
Arsenal face Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday and are keen to build on their resounding 4-1 win over Sunderland last weekend.
Wenger is challenging his squad to find some consistency to maintain their own challenge in what he thinks will be one of the tightest title races in years.
"I hope it will be tight until the end, because then it will be interesting and if you are consistent then you have a chance to win," said the Frenchman.
"You need to be at your best to find the resources to win games, this is a big game for us and of course this weekend we just want to focus on the three points.
"We got the three points against Sunderland who are a tricky team, so we want to do it again.
"We have to look at our results, just focus on that and not speculate too much because we're in a period where we have to move forward."
Arsenal have struggled at times at the Britannia where Stoke, under the guidance of former boss Tony Pulis, often out-muscled the Gunners.
However, Wenger feels his side may have greater success against the Potters now they are managed by Mark Hughes, who has looked to expand on Pulis' regimented game-plan.
"We had some bad memories but also some good ones as well," said Wenger. "It's a stadium where before, first of all the pitch was narrow and difficult to play, a bit more open to the wind.
"But recently we have shown as well it's down to the performance on the day. If you perform on Saturday that's all that counts.
"Yes it probably is better for us now though, because we went sometimes to Stoke, who had a rough style, we had young players and it was difficult.
"But they have good players, they have done well in the league, they qualified for the Europa league. So they are a real challenge.
"Every manager has his own style, he (Hughes) has experience and has shown he can do well. Given time he will print his own style of play."
Brendan Rodgers considers Pepe Reina's Liverpool career to be over, with the goalkeeper having already bid his farewells.
Following the big-money acquisition of Simon Mignolet last summer, Reina was deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield.
He was allowed to link up with Serie A outfit Napoli on a season-long loan and is expected to head for pastures new on a permanent deal when the transfer window re-opens.
Reina has remained coy on what his future will hold, claiming he will return to England before taking a decision, but Rodgers sees no way back for the Spain international on Merseyside.
He said in the Liverpool Echo: "He's already written his letter, hasn't he? He wrote a goodbye letter, didn't he?
"I was surprised at the letter - when you are a loan player I would expect that he should come back, but obviously Pepe made it very clear when he went to Napoli that he was looking to move.
"He penned a great big letter saying he was going to work with the best manager that he'd worked with (Rafa Benitez) and thanked him for his time for Liverpool. So, for me, it probably sounded like he'd made his decision there."
While seemingly closing the door on one long-serving figure in the Liverpool ranks, Rodgers claims Danish defender Daniel Agger - who continues to generate transfer speculation of his own - remains very much part of his long-term plans.
He said after seeing Agger criticised for his performance against Swansea City last weekend - a showing which saw him hauled off after an hour: "I think there has been a lot of unfair spotlight on Daniel this week.
"What happened to Daniel is no different to what happened to any player. Just because it is a defender it is highlighted a wee bit more.
"But we made the change and won the game. It's no different to me than a winger coming off or a striker or midfield player.
"I will judge every player, whether he is the team captain, the centre-forward or a squad player, I will make a decision if I think it will help us get a result.
"We made the change. Dan has taken it like the man he is. He has been outstanding in training this week and he will play on Saturday (against Southampton), there is no question about that."
Brendan Rodgers considers Pepe Reina's Liverpool career to be over, with the goalkeeper having already bid his farewells.
Following the big-money acquisition of Simon Mignolet last summer, Reina was deemed surplus to requirements at Anfield.
He was allowed to link up with Serie A outfit Napoli on a season-long loan and is expected to head for pastures new on a permanent deal when the transfer window re-opens.
Reina has remained coy on what his future will hold, claiming he will return to England before taking a decision, but Rodgers sees no way back for the Spain international on Merseyside.
He said in the Liverpool Echo: "He's already written his letter, hasn't he? He wrote a goodbye letter, didn't he?
"I was surprised at the letter - when you are a loan player I would expect that he should come back, but obviously Pepe made it very clear when he went to Napoli that he was looking to move.
"He penned a great big letter saying he was going to work with the best manager that he'd worked with (Rafa Benitez) and thanked him for his time for Liverpool. So, for me, it probably sounded like he'd made his decision there."
While seemingly closing the door on one long-serving figure in the Liverpool ranks, Rodgers claims Danish defender Daniel Agger - who continues to generate transfer speculation of his own - remains very much part of his long-term plans.
He said after seeing Agger criticised for his performance against Swansea City last weekend - a showing which saw him hauled off after an hour: "I think there has been a lot of unfair spotlight on Daniel this week.
"What happened to Daniel is no different to what happened to any player. Just because it is a defender it is highlighted a wee bit more.
"But we made the change and won the game. It's no different to me than a winger coming off or a striker or midfield player.
"I will judge every player, whether he is the team captain, the centre-forward or a squad player, I will make a decision if I think it will help us get a result.
"We made the change. Dan has taken it like the man he is. He has been outstanding in training this week and he will play on Saturday (against Southampton), there is no question about that."
Luis Suarez has told his critics to only judge him by what he does on the pitch — letting his football do the talking.
Luis Suarez celebrates scoring the fourth goal against Tottenham Hotspur. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Liverpool forward has had a torrid time with the British press since his move from Ajax in 2011. During his transfer saga last summer, he even cited the newspapers as a reason why he wanted to leave the Premier League.
But now a more mature and focussed Suarez is saying all the right things, and looking forward to a bright future at Liverpool.
The 27-year-old Uruguayan’s 23 goals this season have helped the Reds progress rapidly from the team that finished seventh in the league last year.
Liverpool go into this weekend’s trip to Southampton in fourth, just four points off league leaders Chelsea and Suarez, speaking to Sport magazine says the press should be judging him differently now.
“Everyone has his culture, his way of living, and you’re not going to be able to change that,” Suarez said.
“What I would love, something I’ve always said, is that they judge me as a player on the pitch. By what I do on the pitch. Anyway, it’s not good to read too much of what they say, because you know there are a lot of lies.”
A victory for Brendan Rodgers‘ men at St Mary’s on Saturday evening will move them nine points clear of fifth place Tottenham, who are chasing that fourth Champions League spot.
Suarez signed a new long-term deal at Liverpool in December, and is now relishing the opportunity to play in front of the Kop on the special European nights the club is so famous for.
“I dream about playing with Liverpool in the Champions League,” he added. “My teammates have told me it’s something incredible, something truly unique, to play in that competition at Anfield. I’d love to do it. That said, there’s a lot of the league left to play. We have to keep doing the things we’re doing.
“We know all about those nights at Anfield. Everyone in the world knows about it, knows the club. All players appreciate the significance of the Champions League here, and that it’s difficult to match Liverpool on that stage.”
Southampton vs Liverpool gets underway at 5.30pm on Saturday, 1st March and it’s live on Sky Sports 1. Click here to read our full match preview and team news .
Luis Suarez has told his critics to only judge him by what he does on the pitch — letting his football do the talking.
Luis Suarez celebrates scoring the fourth goal against Tottenham Hotspur. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Liverpool forward has had a torrid time with the British press since his move from Ajax in 2011. During his transfer saga last summer, he even cited the newspapers as a reason why he wanted to leave the Premier League.
But now a more mature and focussed Suarez is saying all the right things, and looking forward to a bright future at Liverpool.
The 27-year-old Uruguayan’s 23 goals this season have helped the Reds progress rapidly from the team that finished seventh in the league last year.
Liverpool go into this weekend’s trip to Southampton in fourth, just four points off league leaders Chelsea and Suarez, speaking to Sport magazine says the press should be judging him differently now.
“Everyone has his culture, his way of living, and you’re not going to be able to change that,” Suarez said.
“What I would love, something I’ve always said, is that they judge me as a player on the pitch. By what I do on the pitch. Anyway, it’s not good to read too much of what they say, because you know there are a lot of lies.”
A victory for Brendan Rodgers‘ men at St Mary’s on Saturday evening will move them nine points clear of fifth place Tottenham, who are chasing that fourth Champions League spot.
Suarez signed a new long-term deal at Liverpool in December, and is now relishing the opportunity to play in front of the Kop on the special European nights the club is so famous for.
“I dream about playing with Liverpool in the Champions League,” he added. “My teammates have told me it’s something incredible, something truly unique, to play in that competition at Anfield. I’d love to do it. That said, there’s a lot of the league left to play. We have to keep doing the things we’re doing.
“We know all about those nights at Anfield. Everyone in the world knows about it, knows the club. All players appreciate the significance of the Champions League here, and that it’s difficult to match Liverpool on that stage.”
Southampton vs Liverpool gets underway at 5.30pm on Saturday, 1st March and it’s live on Sky Sports 1. Click here to read our full match preview and team news .
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