Sky Sports pundit says Brendan Rodgers deserves credit for win over Man City
Wednesday 4 March 2015 22:06, UK
Gary Neville admits he fears former club Manchester United could be ousted from the Champions League places by bitter league rivals Liverpool.
Brendan Rodgers’ men beat Manchester City 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday as they made it 11 Premier League games unbeaten, and they sit just two points behind fourth-placed United.
The Reds host Burnley on Wednesday night knowing victory could see them move into the top four if Louis van Gaal’s men slip up away at Newcastle.
After commentating on Liverpool’s victory on Sunday, Sky Sports pundit Neville says he’s more fearful for his former club than he had been earlier in the season.
It’s fair to say Liverpool have emerged as much more of a threat than I considered a few weeks ago
“The biggest compliment I can give to Liverpool for the way they are currently playing is I left Anfield on Sunday a worried man,” he told the Daily Telegraph.
“For the first time this season I am concerned as to whether Manchester United can fight them off in the scrap for the Champions League places.
“I’ve backed United all season, and I won’t be changing my mind at this stage, but it’s fair to say Liverpool have emerged as much more of a threat than I considered a few weeks ago.”
Van Gaal’s side have a tough run of fixtures in March, taking on Arsenal and Tottenham before facing Liverpool on March 22 in a crucial clash at Anfield.
Local rivals City were undone by the Reds last weekend – something Neville wasn’t backing before the game started.
“I arrived at Anfield expecting City to reassert themselves in the title race and make their extra few days’ preparation,” he said.
“It both impressed and concerned me to see Liverpool play as they did.
“Brendan Rodgers deserved particular credit for the way he reacted to what was happening as the game evolved, ensuring an even first half became a much more dominant second period for the home side.”
Watch extended highlights of Liverpool v Burnley plus five other Premier League games tonight from 10pm on Sky Sports 1 HD, and you can see all tonight’s goals from midnight on Sky Sports News HQ.
