Gabby Agbonlahor claims Liverpool are already out of the title race and says Jurgen Klopp’s tactics ‘didn’t work’

Liverpool are already out of the Premier League title race after just six games, that’s according to former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor. 

Jurgen Klopp’s men have been performing way below the exceptionally high standards that they have set in recent years. 

The Reds find themselves seventh in the league table after collecting just nine points from a possible 18, it is their worst start to a season since Klopp walked through the doors at the Anfield club. 

Liverpool started their season off with two draws and one defeat before managing to win back to back games, a 9-0 thrashing against Bournemouth and a dramatic last gasp win over Newcastle United. 

However, in the first Merseyside derby of the season on Saturday, Klopp’s men failed to break down a stubborn Everton side and were up against an inspired Jordan Pickford in the Toffees’ goal. 

Frank Lampard’s side could have won the game but Conor Coady’s goal was ruled out by VAR for offside and the match ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw. Klopp’s men are now six points behind leaders Arsenal. 

When asked if Liverpool could potentially miss out on the Champions League places, Agbonlahor said they are already out of the title race and are in a battle to finish in the top four. 

The former England international said on talkSPORT: “100 per cent. This is not a battle for the title. Liverpool, for me, are not fighting for the Premier League title this season.

“They are fighting to stay in the top four because Arsenal are on it. Spurs are on it – they're knowing how to win games, Arsenal and Spurs.

“They've got that winning mentality and they're winning games. Chelsea will get better.” 

Agbonlahor then criticised Klopp’s tactics for the Merseyside derby. 

He added: “Salah doesn't look like he's going to score and that is not like Mo Salah. 

“He has to come out wide and find space. The midfield didn't work. They played Fabinho as a sitter and in front of him [Harvey] Elliott and [Fabio] Carvalho. It just didn't work for me today.”

Agbonlahor continued: “At the back, [Andy] Robertson was dropped, Trent [Alexander-Arnold] got taken off after 60 minutes. Something isn't right with that defence with Liverpool and they are dropping too many points.” 

The focus for Liverpool will now be on the Champions League as they kick off their European campaign on Wednesday night, with a tricky away tie against Serie A side Napoli.