Mikel Arteta new season
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has conceded that Liverpool are the favourites for the Premier League title this season following their record-breaking capture of Alexander Isak.
The Gunners have finished as runners-up in each of the past three campaigns, narrowly missing out on the trophy to Arne Slot’s Liverpool in 2024–25. While many pundits have tipped Arsenal to finally end their 21-year wait for a league crown, Arteta believes the addition of Isak tilts the balance in Liverpool’s favour.
Liverpool signed the Swedish striker from Newcastle United in a stunning £125 million deadline-day deal, setting a new British transfer record. Asked during his pre-match press conference on Friday how the signing had shifted the title race, Arteta was unequivocal.
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“Well, they are the strongest for sure,” he said ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest. “They have recruited probably the most decisive players available in Europe this summer. They’ve done really well to secure that, and they are very strong. But we need to look at ourselves and focus on what we must do to be better than them.”
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak (Image credit: Getty Images)
Liverpool defeated Arsenal 1-0 in their last league outing before the international break and remain the only top-flight team to win all three of their opening fixtures. Reflecting on that result, Arteta praised Slot’s tactical approach but stressed that fine margins decided the contest.
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“I think Arne explained it really well after the game when he said if we play ten times, eight would be a draw, one for Arsenal, and one for Liverpool. A magic moment decided that match,” Arteta noted.
“We want more of those games, and there’s still room for improvement in different areas. That’s very positive, because the team is already operating at a really high level.”
Despite acknowledging Liverpool’s strength, Arteta insisted Arsenal will continue pushing to compete at the very top as they aim to finally break their long title drought.
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