Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has stirred debate in the Premier League title race after declaring Arsenal as the strongest contenders for this season’s crown. Despite Liverpool’s heavy investment in the transfer market and their status as defending champions, Salah believes the Gunners hold a crucial edge due to the stability and continuity fostered under Mikel Arteta.
The Egyptian star, who recently signed a fresh contract extension, pointed out that Arsenal’s biggest strength lies in the cohesion of a squad that has played together for five to six years under the same manager. This consistency, he argued, makes their game more fluid compared to rivals who have undergone major squad reshuffles in recent months.
Arsenal opted to retain the core that pushed Manchester City to the wire last season while carefully reinforcing key areas. Among their seven new arrivals are midfield creators Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi, alongside Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who adds firepower in attack. The London side is also finalizing a loan deal for Ecuadorian defender Pierro Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen, further boosting squad depth.
By contrast, Liverpool embarked on an ambitious spending spree, revamping their forward line despite lifting the title last season. Manchester City also underwent a refresh following what was seen as a relatively underwhelming campaign. Even so, Salah acknowledged that Pep Guardiola’s presence alone makes City perennial challengers, but insisted Arsenal currently stand a notch above.
The early fixtures appear to support his perspective. Arsenal opened their campaign with a narrow victory over Manchester United before dismantling Leeds United in a dominant 5–0 display. Liverpool, meanwhile, edged past Bournemouth and Newcastle in high-scoring encounters, showing strength in attack but vulnerabilities at the back.
Sunday’s showdown at Anfield between the two unbeaten sides promises to be a statement clash in the title race. Both clubs arrive in top form, but with Salah openly backing Arsenal as favorites, the narrative adds extra spice to an already high-stakes contest.
Bookmakers have also given Arsenal a slight advantage in their title odds, with Liverpool just behind and Manchester City ranked third. Chelsea are seen as the only other team with an outside shot of breaking into the race.
With Arteta’s settled project against Klopp’s refreshed champions, the stage is set for a defining early-season battle.
