Liverpool star Mohamed Salah believes Arsenal are the team to beat in the Premier League this season even ahead of his own club.
Liverpool were crowned champions last season under new manager Arne Slot, finishing 10 points clear of Arsenal in May. However, Salah says things will be different this year.
Both teams have started the new campaign strongly, winning their first two matches, and will face each other this Sunday at Anfield in what could be an early title-decider.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Salah explained why he rates Mikel Arteta’s side so highly:
“That team, I have said it a few times — today and also at the PFA Awards — I said they are the favourites because they have a team that has played together for five, six years. They understand each other’s game,” Salah said.
He added that Arsenal’s stability under Arteta, who has been in charge since 2019, gives them an advantage over other big clubs who have gone through major changes.
“When the team stays together for that long, they know each other’s game, so it becomes easier. But other teams like us and Manchester City change a lot of players, which can be tricky,” Salah explained.
Salah admitted that Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are “always favourites” because of their quality, but insisted that in his opinion, Arsenal are number one this season.
The Egyptian forward also revealed he has a good relationship with new boss Arne Slot, even discussing transfer plans with him.
“After I stayed, in the beginning of the season I was asking him just out of curiosity, but I know my role and I know he decides what he wants. But to be fair, what I admire a lot about him is that he gives me space to share my opinion about what I see in the team and what we can improve. I really, really appreciate that,” Salah said.
Liverpool fans will hope Salah’s prediction doesn’t come true, but all eyes will be on Sunday’s showdown at Anfield to see if Arsenal can prove him right.
