Liverpool legend Phil Thompson has written off the chances of Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur going the distance in the Premier League title race.
Arsenal are top of the Premier League table, with Liverpool in second, while Aston Villa and Tottenham are in third and fourth place in the league table, respectively, sitting ahead of fifth placed Manchester City.
Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa have turned some heads and after a five match winless run, Tottenham have bounced back in the title race.
However, Thompson believes that Liverpool do not need to worry about Aston Villa and Tottenham in the title race as neither will last the distance.
The Reds legend is of the view that Liverpool will have to battle against Arsenal and Manchester City, who have shown they can go late into the season with title pushes.
When asked if the top five are all in the title race, Thompson said on LFC TV after the draw with Arsenal: “I think it will come down to Arsenal, Liverpool [and Man City].
“We’re seeing the difference in quality when it comes down to this style of football, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
“It’s nice that there is a six-point buffer – I know that City have a game in hand – but I don’t think they have been in this position since we won the league.
“It’s nice they have a little pressure on, they’ve had a long trip to play that [Club World Cup] game, different environment and everything, and they’ve got to come back and start playing so it’s different for them.
“They have been vulnerable and they have been different, but they can go the rest of the season and win every game, that is what they are capable of doing.
“But I just think it is us three who will be there with a realistic chance of winning it.”
Aston Villa are set to take on Manchester United on Boxing Day and Tottenham will return is action against Brighton on Thursday.
