Liverpool still best bet for top four despite Arsenal arrivals
Published:Arsenal may have made good use of the final day of the transfer window, but it still seems unlikely that they have made the calibre of signing that will see them trump Liverpool in the race to finish in the top four.
It is widely assumed that Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are certain to finish in the top four and then there is a two-way battle for the remaining spot.
Liverpool have made the better start in this quest, but Arsenal will point to their five deadline-day signings as a turning point in overcoming their woeful start to the campaign, which has been full of unrest and disarray.
However, there are question marks as to whether Andre Santos, Per Mertesacker, Yossi Benayoun, Mikel Arteta and Park Cha-young can see them overhaul Liverpool.
Santos may be the Brazilian national left back, but it may take him a while to familiarise himself with the fast-paced style of Premier League and if he was that much of a talent, one must wonder how he was not snapped up sooner by any of Europe’s elite.
The same concerns exist for Mertesacker, although he has racked up a high number of German international caps and his height should help Arsenal in their troubles winning headers and defending set plays.
Arteta is certainly a talented player, but he has struggled to rediscover his best form since running into injury problems at Everton.
Benayoun has not had regular first-team football for some time and is getting no younger, but could prove the pick of the new arrivals if managing to continue his useful scoring record from midfield.
Finally, Park may be a bit of a national treasure in South Korea and have an eye for goal, but his scoring record elsewhere is not all that impressive and workrate alone will not see him have a big impact at the Emirates.
Signing Craig Bellamy was significant for Liverpool in strengthening the weak area within their squad and they still look the better Premier League bet to finish in the top four at 4/7, with Arsenal available at 6/4.
