Mohamed Salah has surprisingly suggested that Liverpool are not the favourites to win the Premier League this season.
Salah scored a remarkable 29 goals in the league last campaign to help fire the Reds to their 20th league title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge.
Over the summer, Liverpool have not rested on their laurels, either, spending nearly £300million on summer signings, including breaking the British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz.
Despite that, the Reds will not be short of rivals again this season, with Manchester City and Arsenal expected to prove stern challenges for the title.
And Salah reckons that Arsenal should be considered favourites to finally get over the line this season, having finished second in the last three seasons.
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‘I think you (Arsenal) have a great team this season as you did last season,’ Salah replied when asked about the Gunners’ title hopes at Tuesday’s PFA Awards.
‘So, you have really good chance. I think you are the favourite now because you players who have been together for five years.
‘I can’t say I’ll wish you luck – hopefully we do it again.’
Asked about his performances last season, which saw him scoop the PFA’s men’s player of the year award, Salah added: ‘I’m just getting old and I think I can handle the pressure more now.
‘I think last season was incredible – the best of my career and I’m glad it went so well. Winning the Premier League with Liverpool and having that impact in the team was just incredible.’
Arsenal, meanwhile, got their campaign underway with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
And despite not looking at their best to kickstart the season, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville still believes that Mikel Arteta’s side should narrowly be considered favourites for the title this year.
‘I couldn’t separate Arsenal, Liverpool and City and I think they are all in with an equal chance so I’ve got no certainty that Arsenal are going to win it,’ Neville said.
‘But they’ve been consistent over the last three years and I do feel they will get there at some point. They are reliable and solid and they’re consistent, which I think is important.
‘I think they’ve got the right materials, they are just going to have to sort that forward bit of the pitch out and I think Gyokeres will.’
Liverpool face a visit to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United next weekend, while Arsenal host Leeds United at the Emirates.
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