Liverpool’s star forward, Mohamed Salah, has made headlines after refusing to back his own club to defend the Premier League title this season. Instead, Salah has tipped Arsenal as the strongest contenders to finally lift the league trophy, ending their long wait for domestic glory. The Gunners, under Mikel Arteta, have consistently pushed for the title, finishing as runners-up in the last three campaigns. Last season, Arsenal trailed Liverpool by 10 points, with the Reds winning the league in Arne Slot’s debut year as manager. Despite that, Salah believes this season could mark a turning point for Arsenal. Speaking to AFTV during the PFA Awards on Tuesday night, Salah praised Arsenal’s squad depth and cohesion, saying: “I think you have a great team this season. You have a really good chance. I think you are favourites now because you have players that have been together for five years.” If Salah’s prediction comes true, Arsenal will finally end a 20-year Premier League title drought, last lifting the trophy in the 2003/2004 ‘Invincibles’ season’. This comment from Salah has sparked debates among football fans, as it’s rare for a key player to overlook his own side in favour of a direct rival. Still, Salah insists Arsenal’s consistency, squad unity, and tactical growth make them genuine favourites this season.
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has expressed doubts about the Reds’ chances of retaining their Premier League crown, highlighting the team’s defensive vulnerabilities despite their attacking brilliance. Carragher shared his concerns on Sky Sports after Liverpool launched their new Premier League campaign with a thrilling 4-2 win over Bournemouth under the lights at Anfield on Friday night. The game was full of drama and showcased both Liverpool’s attacking strengths and defensive fragility. Etikike’s Debut Sparks Liverpool’s Attack New signing Hugo Etikike made an instant impact, scoring his debut goal by calmly running through Bournemouth’s defense before slotting past goalkeeper Petrovic. His confidence and movement gave the home fans something to cheer about early on. Etikike wasn’t finished. Early in the second half, he turned provider by setting up Cody Gakpo, who doubled Liverpool’s lead with a composed finish. Semenyo’s Brace Brings Bournemouth Back Into It Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who was subjected to racial abuse in the first half, responded with determination. He scored twice, including a remarkable solo effort, to drag his side back into the contest and expose Liverpool’s defensive lapses. Liverpool Respond with Clinical Finishing Despite Bournemouth’s comeback, Liverpool regained control of the match in front of an emotional Anfield crowd. Substitute Federico Chiesa restored their advantage with a scrappy finish for the third goal. Moments later, talisman Mohamed Salah extended his remarkable record by scoring on the opening day of the Premier League season once again, sealing the 4-2 victory. Carragher’s Honest Verdict on Liverpool’s Weaknesses Speaking after the game, Carragher warned that while Liverpool are capable of scoring goals freely, their defensive openness could cost them the title. “Liverpool will score a lot and they will concede a lot too. They might be the most entertaining side in the Premier League. But that is not something I hope for, because if they play like that, it will be very difficult for them to retain their crown. For me, they are far too open and vulnerable to the counter-attack. There is something that needs fixing.” Carragher’s analysis underlines a growing concern: while Liverpool remain an attacking powerhouse, their defensive balance will need to improve if they are to successfully defend their Premier League title in the 2024/2025 season.
