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Liverpool have "done an Arsenal" and collapsed after a promising start to the season, according to former Gunner Paul Merson.

Jurgen Klopp's side have suffered a disastrous start to 2017. Their title aspirations have evaporated and they have been dumped out of the EFL and FA Cups by Southampton and Wolves respectively, report the Liverpool Echo.

Defeat to Hull last week now means that they trail runaway Premier League leaders Chelsea by 13 points, and the rapid decline of the season's objectives has seen Gunners legend Merson liken the Reds to his former side.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Talking about the Reds' crucial visit from Tottenham on Saturday evening, the ex-Gunners star told Sky Sports: "This is a big game for both these sides' respective seasons. Liverpool are out of the title race now and they've done an Arsenal, going out of everything in the space of two weeks.

"If they're not careful they could be out of the race for the top four - they have to win!

Video: Didi Hamann has no regrets over Klopp comments

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"A Tottenham defeat would more or less hand the title to Chelsea but could put Spurs' own aspirations at risk.

"If they lose and the other teams win, all of a sudden they're in a battle for the top four. It can change that quickly. Liverpool have to win and Tottenham have to make sure they don't lose, with that in mind I see Spurs denting Liverpool's season further. Prediction? 1-1."

Victory for Jurgen Klopp's side would see them go to within a point of Mauricio Pochettino's second-placed Spurs.