Mohamed Salah has unexpectedly claimed that Liverpool are not the frontrunners to lift the Premier League this season.
Salah netted an impressive 29 league goals last term to guide the Reds to their 20th league triumph in Arne Slot’s debut campaign in charge.
During the summer, Liverpool have not slowed down either, splashing nearly £300million on new recruits, including smashing the British transfer record to secure Florian Wirtz.
Even so, the Reds are unlikely to lack strong challengers this campaign, with Manchester City and Arsenal expected to mount fierce battles for the crown.
And Salah believes Arsenal should be seen as the side most likely to finally prevail this season, having come second in each of the past three years.
‘I think you (Arsenal) have a fantastic team this season as you did last,’ Salah responded when asked about the Gunners’ title chances at Tuesday’s PFA Awards.
‘So, you have a really strong chance. I think you are the main favourite now because your players have been together for five years.’
‘I can’t exactly wish you luck – hopefully we succeed again instead.’
Reflecting on his own form last season, which earned him the PFA men’s player of the year prize, Salah said: ‘I’m just ageing and I feel I can cope with the pressure better now.
‘I think last year was outstanding – the finest of my career and I’m happy it went that way. Winning the Premier League with Liverpool and making that impact in the team was just amazing.’
And even though they have not looked fully sharp at the start of this campaign, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville still feels Mikel Arteta’s men deserve to be narrowly considered favourites for the title.
‘I couldn’t split Arsenal, Liverpool and City and I think all three have an equal opportunity so I’m not certain Arsenal will win it,’ Neville admitted.
‘But they’ve shown consistency over the past three years and I do believe they will achieve it soon. They are dependable, resilient and consistent, which I think matters most.
‘I think they possess the right tools, they just need to fix that forward line and I believe Gyokeres will.’
Liverpool travel to St James’ Park to meet Newcastle United next weekend, while Arsenal welcome Leeds United to the Emirates.
