Dominik Szoboszlai has sent tongues wagging with an interesting verdict on Arsenal's title credentials and who the champions are heading into Liverpool's clash with league leaders. The two sides meet at the Emirates on Thursday night (January 8th) with a massive 14 points between them.
Arne Slot's Merseyside giants have suffered a shocking fall from grace after winning the Premier League title in May 2025. The Dutch coach's side sits fourth in the table, having won 10 and lost 6 of 20 games.
The Reds' inconsistent form has been in stark contrast to that of Mikel Arteta's North London outfit, who are top of the crop. His men have won 15 of their 20 games, losing only two, one of which came against tomorrow night's opponents.
Liverpool's Szoboszlai: Arsenal 'Play Against The Champions'
Dominik Szoboszlai for Liverpool against Eintracht Frankfurt
Szoboszlai netted a superb free-kick in the reverse fixture, which proved to be the winner and raised questions about whether Arsenal were potential title contenders. But Arteta's side responded by winning ten in a row in the league, a run that has put them in the driving seat.
The wheels came off for Liverpool after that win, as they endured a disastrous run, losing six of seven games. It means the two English heavyweights meet with Slot's defending champions, perhaps out of the title picture.
Szoboszlai doesn't seem to take that stance, though, as he gave a defiant response to suggestions that his team face the next champions. He told Sky Sports:
"Oh my god, it's a long way. The Premier League is not easy. You don't win it by January. So I don't think we are playing against the champions. They play against the champions."
The 25-year-old added that the Gunners aren't the only title contenders:
"They know as well, we know as well. Of course they are one of the favourites for this year, unbelievable team, really good players. But we shouldn't also forget about City, about Villa who are doing very good. No, we don't play against the champions, they play against the champions."
Arsenal held a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City ahead of the Cityzens' clash with Brighton & Hove Albion tonight. At this stage last season, Liverpool were six points ahead of the Gunners and went on to win the title by a comfortable 10-point margin.
Gunning For You - Fans React to Szoboszlai Claim
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Szoboszlai's comments have fuelled the flames ahead of a massive clash at the Emirates, which could be one of the most important this season. Should Arsenal win, they will have beaten the defending champions and followed up on an impressive 4-1 win over Villa in December.
This is why Liverpool fans are championing their midfielder's response, and one suggested he become the Reds' next skipper. They wrote on X:
"Szoboszlai has to be our next captain man, elite mentality."
Another was full of praise:
"Szoboszlai is a true representation of what this club stands for in terms of mentality and quench for winning."
One wrote:
"Perfectly said Dom."
On the flipside, the Emirates faithful took umbrage with Szoboszlai and want their Gunners side to make him regret his words. That was one fan's opinion:
"He’s right but I don’t like how he’s saying it, we need to put at least three past these bums."
Another thinks his comments will come back to haunt him:
"This will come back to bite you bro hopefully you have the strength to not crashout after holding 4 at the emirates."
One added:
"When that title is won….. That snap with your finger…. You will regret it……"
But other members of the Emirates faithful were more irritated by the reporter pushing the 'champions' narrative. One fan wrote:
"Sky Sports creating a narrative that Arsenal fans are saying the title is done. Anything to create a negative narrative against the club can’t think of 1 Arsenal fan labelling us as champions. Embarrassing as per from Sky Sports."
"What kind of idiot asks a question like this? I mean Szoboszlai is right to laugh Media trying to push the narrative that it’s over, it is far from over & 99% of the Arsenal fanbase know that."
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Last season's encounter between the two sides in North London finished 2-2 and goals will be expected tomorrow with both sides eager to win. If Slot can guide his men to victory it could open the title race right back up.