David Seaman
David Seaman
Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman has controversially snubbed Manchester City when naming the only team he thinks are capable of pipping the Gunners to the 2026/27 Premier League title.
The defending champions got their campaign underway on Friday night with a convincing 3-0 win over Coventry City. Summer signing Christos Tzolis impressed on his home debut by registering an assist, while the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Ben White also looked sharp, producing displays that suggested they are finally over the injury issues that have plagued them over the last 18 months.
Now that Mikel Arteta has led them to one title - their first in 22 years after finishing second three terms in a row - there is a growing belief that they can go from strength to strength and add more silverware now that the weight has been lifted off their shoulders.
This is especially true with so many changes among the rest of the big six, with several clubs entering transition periods and potentially leaving the door wide open for Arsenal to make hay while the sun shines as Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa also await their competitive debuts following high-profile moves to north London.
Seaman Names Arsenal's Biggest Premier League Title Challengers
Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy
Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy
Speaking to the Metro ahead of their first match of the season on Sunday afternoon, Seaman named Liverpool as the likeliest challengers to Arsenal's crown. Of course, there were a lot of issues in their first match under Andoni Iraola during a 2-2 draw with Newcastle, but patience could be key, with the legendary goalkeeper saying:
The Reds parted company with Arne Slot at the end of last season and replaced him with Iraola, who masterminded Bournemouth’s qualification for Europe last term.
A draw away at Newcastle, with a point rescued from the jaws of defeat thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai's last-minute penalty, shows plenty of improvement is needed in coming weeks to be able to match Seaman's great expectations.
Liverpool's Pre-Season Preparations Aren't Over Yet After Newcastle Draw
Andoni Iraola with his hand on his mouth
Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Liverpool have spent relatively modestly in the transfer market this summer compared to last, but something has to give in the next couple of weeks after so many high-profile sales, such as Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate in defence, and Curtis Jones in midfield.
Up until now, the Reds' recruitment team have been largely focussing their efforts on bolstering a winger department that has lost Mohamed Salah - now one of the Turkish Super Lig's highest-paid players.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah
While Victor Munoz is the only acquisition in that area so far, it is still expected that they will secure a deal for PSG's Bradley Barcola before September's deadline. They have also been sniffing around his teammate, Ibrahim Mbaye, while weighing up the idea of submitting a third bid for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh.
For now, though, their new boss must work with the tools readily available to him. And part of the battle he faces this season is getting the best out of record signings Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, who still looked every bit a shell of their usual selves this weekend.