'This year Arsenal are number one!' - Liverpool's Mohamed Salah reveals why he thinks Gunners are the favourites for Premier League title ahead of huge Anfield showdown

The 2025-26 season has only just begun but Salah has already claimed Liverpool's rivals Arsenal are the favourites to win the league this season. Salah's words could be interpreted as 'mind games', with the defending champions set to welcome Arteta and co at Anfield on Sunday. However, the 33-year-old provided explanations as to why he believes the Gunners could finally go all the way this term.

After three consecutive runners-up finishes in the Premier League, much has been said about Arteta's inability to guide his team past the finishing line despite being at the helm since December 2019. Salah, though, argues Arsenal are at an advantage in the title race owing to a core that has remained intact for quite some time now and a manager who has garnered ample experience.

Arsenal used the summer smartly to reinforce their squad and add the missing pieces to their jigsaw. The London-based heavyweights have splashed close to £270 million (€312m/$365m) on players such as Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera, Viktor Gyokeres and, most recently, Eberechi Eze.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Salah was cheekily reminded of Liverpool's high-octane fixture against Arsenal this weekend. "Playing the title favourites on Sunday...," the interviewer said. 

In response, Salah said: "Yeah (laughs)... Of course, of course. 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. So, they understand each other's game. And, they also have a manager [who's been there] 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 [ours] and [Manchester] City, [we keep] 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."

After helping Liverpool win their second top-flight title of the Premier League era in May, Salah will be expected to be the leader of Arne Slot's attack for at least another season despite the arrivals of Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz and the potential arrival of Alexander Isak.