Is there really any title chasers other than Chelsea anymore? Nine points clear of Spurs and Arsenal and 10 points clear of Liverpool. But if anyone can catch the Blues then Rio Ferdinand thinks that Liverpool have shot themselves in the foot with their January transfer dealings.
Should Chelsea beat Arsenal in the early kick off on Saturday then they would stretch their advantage over the chasing pack to 12 points and all put the Gunners out of the title race before their usual February rut even has time to settle in.
In midweek Liverpool managed to hang on to their dreams of challenging for the title when they managed to salvage a draw with Antonio Conte's team despite going behind and giving away a penalty late on in the game.
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However former Manchester United centre back, turned BT Sport pundit, Rio Ferdinand believes that Jurgen Klopp has dealt himself a huge blow by letting Mamadou Sakho go on loan to Crystal Palace in the January transfer window. Talking to BT Sport he said:
"I think he's Liverpool's best defender when he's fit and available. Last season he was very good and I think they've missed him this season. Like Stevie [Steven Gerrard] said, he was their leader at the back, athletic.
"He'll be a great addition to Crystal Palace because he will add a bit of pace and aggressiveness to the back four."
Sakho was a key member of Liverpool's defence last season, although admittedly it was still the weakest part of the team then too, but fell out with Klopp over the summer over his fitness and was sent home from the pre season tour.
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The defender was made available in the summer but refused a move to Stoke City, believing he could get back into the manager's plans, but he was sent to train with the under 23s and didn't play any game time, even in cup competitions.
Check out our "Liverpool- What could have been XI":
Eventually Sakho decided to leave Anfield in January. On deadline day the Reds apparently wanted £20 million for the Frenchman but settled for a £2 million loan fee from Palace, with the Londoners paying all of his wages.
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The centre back was clearly happy with his move saying, "It was really, really long day for me and my family but now I am really happy to sign here because the project is really, really interesting. It is a big challenge and I came for that."
Is Rio right, would Liverpool have been better of keeping and playing Sakho?
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Liverpool, Rio Ferdinand