Liverpool can get "DOMINATED" by Manchester City and Arsenal

A former Arsenal star has revealed why he thinks Liverpool can get "dominated" by Manchester City and Arsenal this season.

Arne Slot's side will need to overturn a nine point deficit from last season if they are to challenge the defending champions and Mikel Arteta's Arsenal for the title this year.

The Reds were a competitive force in the title race for much of last year but fell away towards the end, and one prominent pundit has revealed why he thinks they will struggle to match the pace again this season.

READ MORE: JURGEN KLOPP REVEALS HIS FIRST THOUGHTS ON ARNE SLOT'S LIVERPOOL

In Sportskeeda, ex-Arsenal and England star Paul Merson has said that Liverpool's failure to sign a midfielder this summer means they will struggle to compete with last season's top two.

"Arne Slot has yet to sign a new midfielder and I know they can get dominated in that area when they go to places like Manchester City and Arsenal," Merson said.

"That's when I maybe worry about Liverpool a little bit."

LIVERPOOL WILL BE IN TITLE RACE

Despite Merson's concerns with Liverpool's midfield setup, he does think they will challenge for the title this season.

"I definitely think they'll be up there alongside Manchester City and Arsenal in the title race," he said.

"When I compare them with Arsenal, I don't think Martinelli will score 15 league goals this term and I think it would be great if Leandro Trossard can get at least 10 goals. But that's not a problem with Liverpool, I think the Reds' front five will score more than Arsenal in my opinion," he concluded.

Slot's preference for a buying a new deep-lying midfielder has been clear, and Sporting Director Richard Hughes has so far failed to bring anyone to Anfield after a bid for Martin Zubimendi fell apart at the last minute.

The issue has intensified with the departure of Bobby Clark earlier this week sparking outrage from some fans, as well as the fact that more midfielders are expected to leave before the transfer window closes next Friday.

Ryan Gravenberch impressed as a holding midfielder against Ipswich in the first game of Slot's tenure, but with Liverpool competing in multiple competitions this year, reinforcements are needed to ensure players aren't overworked.