Mohamed Salah has put further pressure on Arsenal ahead of the clash with Liverpool, saying they are the favourites to win Premier League title.
The Reds welcome the Gunners to Anfield, in a chance to earn some early-season bragging rights.
Salah has already called Arsenal the favourites to be champions in 2025/26 this month, and speaking to Sky Sports, he has reiterated that claim.
“That team, I have said it a few times, today and also at the PFA Awards, I said they are the favourites because they have a team that has played [together] for five, six years,” Salah said.
“So, they understand each other’s game. And, they also have a manager with the team for five, six years.
“When the team’s stuck together for that long, they know each other’s game, so it becomes easier for them.
“But other teams like us and [Man] City, changing a lot of players, which is sometimes tricky.
“But again, teams with Pep Guardiola, they are always the favourites. But of course, my opinion is this year Arsenal are number one.”
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Monday, August 25, 2025: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Whether these are mind games from Salah is up for debate, but there is actually plenty of sense in saying Arsenal should be favourites.
Granted, Liverpool have signed Florian Wirtz for a British record fee, and Alexander Isak could cost even more, but the Reds’ squad has seen plenty of changes made to it.
Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkz are new full-back additions, so it may take them time to adjust, as highlighted by four goals conceded in two Premier League games this season.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 9, 2025: Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Athletic Bilbao at the Emirates Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Meanwhile, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have departed, and Diogo Jota tragically lost his life last month, so Liverpool’s forward options have been weakened.
As for Arsenal, they have strengthened significantly by signing Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Ebereche Eze, among others, all of whom go into their strongest starting XI.
The Gunners have a settled core of players from back to front, not to mention Arteta now being in charge for six years, so the pressure should be on them to win the Premier League or the Champions League.