Graeme Souness says ‘three teams’ can deny Arsenal the Premier League title

Graeme Souness believes ‘three or four teams’ are still capable of winning the Premier League and has refused to rule Liverpool out of the title race.

Liverpool’s worrying run of form turned into a full-blown crisis as Arne Slot’s champions were beaten 3-0 at home by Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The emphatic defeat means Liverpool, who spent almost £450m in the transfer market last summer, have lost six of their last seven league games.

Liverpool were considered favourites for the title before the season startedbut the Reds are now just 11th in the Premier League – 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.

A number of pundits have ruled Liverpool out of the title race but ex-Anfield captain Souness believes Slot’s side are one of ‘three or four teams’ who can still deny Arsenal the title.

The Gunners have enjoyed a brilliant first-half to the season and are joint-top of the Champions League as well as six points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta is aiming to bring the Premier League trophy to Arsenal for the first time since 2004 but Souness has warned that there is still plenty of life in the title race.

‘Anything can happen in our league,’ Souness said on talkSPORT. ‘I have worked in big leagues abroad, and I tell you, our league is by far the most demanding league anywhere.

‘Big clubs don’t get a rest. So it’s still very much on for three or four teams, and I have to include Liverpool, because I know the way the crowd react there. They won’t give up on the team.’

Arsenal legend Martin Keown was surprised by Souness’ comments on Liverpool and interjected: ‘They’ll have to win virtually every game this season…’

But Souness responded: ‘I’m not a betting man, I wouldn’t bet on them, but I think it would be mad to bet against them unless you’re a really keen gambler.

‘Football is full of surprises, that’s why it’s the most loved, most watched, most interesting sport in the world for me.’

While Souness did not clarify which ‘three or four teams’ he views as title contenders, Chelsea are currently Arsenal’s closest rival in second.

Chelsea have shown promising signs under Enzo Maresca, winning the Conference League last season and the Club World Cup over the summer.

Manchester City must also be respected despite showing signs of inconsistency under Pep Guardiola and losing 2-1 to Newcastle United over the weekend.

Aston Villa are currently in the final Champions League spot under ex-Arsenal manager Unai Emery, although Manchester United could claim that position when they face Everton on Monday night.

While Liverpool were widely tipped to retain their Premier League trophy, Slot must forget about titles and focus on staying in a job, according to ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy.

‘The expectation is higher because of the amount of money invested was huge, even for Liverpool,’ Murphy told BBC Sport.

‘Arne Slot is going to take a lot of stick over the next week or two. He’s going to be asked a lot of questions.

‘The reality is that he is the manager and needs to take some responsibility but the players have to look in the mirror.

‘Out of last year’s players, only [Dominik] Szoboszlai, [Ryan] Gravenberch and Robbo [Andy Robertson] have gotten close to the levels of last year and that’s not good enough.

‘What can Slot do? He has to make some huge decisions, and that means leaving some huge players out.

‘Going back to basics. Defending better. Working harder and being more physical. It sounds simple but he has to pick his most physical eleven who will defend the best.

‘Don’t be thinking of titles and the Champions League – it’s about the next game and turning this around.’

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