Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has backed Arsenal as the favourites to win the Premier League this season.
Salah led the Reds to a historic 20th league title last season, and though he hopes his side defend their crown, the Egypt international believes this might finally be the Gunners’ season.
Mikel Arteta’s side opened their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a cagey 1-0 victory at Manchester United on Sunday (August 17), courtesy of a first-half header from Riccardo Calafiori.
Arsenal have invested heavily in the transfer market, spending over £180 million as they chase their first league title since 2004.
They have brought in a number of high-profile signings in Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Chelsea duo Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga, along with improving depth with the additions of Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera.
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Despite finishing as runners-up in each of the last three seasons, Arsenal have pushed the eventual champions hard, often taking the league title down to the wire.
They were edged out by Pep Guardiola and Manchester City in both 2023 and 2024, before falling a considerable ten points short of Salah’s Liverpool last year.
What was Salah’s prediction?
Salah, who contributed 29 goals and 18 assists in 38 league games last season, believes Arsenal’s stability and squad depth now give them the edge.
Speaking during a social media live stream from the PFA Awards gala in Manchester on Tuesday (August 19), he responded candidly to an Arsenal-supporting presenter who jokingly asked Liverpool to “slow down” and give the Gunners a chance.
“I think you have a great team this season,” Salah responded.
“You have a really good chance. I think you are favourites now because you have players [that have] been together for five years now.”
The Liverpool ace also promptly assured fans that his side are still gunning to defend their title.
“I can’t say I wish you luck but hopefully we do it again,” he added.
Salah and Liverpool will get an early chance to see how far Arsenal have come when the Gunners visit Anfield on August 31.
Before then, Arsenal face Leeds United, while Liverpool gear up for a fiery clash against Newcastle United at St James’ Park, with the future of striker Alexander Isak still up in the air.
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