Mohamed Salah Names Arsenal as His Favourite for the Premier League Title — What It Means for Liverpool, Arsenal, and the 2025/26 Title Race
When Mohamed Salah speaks, the football world listens.
The Liverpool legend, who has defined an era at Anfield with his relentless goalscoring and leadership, rarely makes bold predictions about his rivals. But this week, ahead of a titanic early-season clash between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield, Salah made headlines by declaring that Arsenal are *his favourites* to win the Premier League title this season.
It is a fascinating admission. Not only does it reflect Salah’s respect for the progress made by Mikel Arteta’s side, but it also opens a wider discussion about the state of the Premier League title race, the evolving challenges faced by Liverpool under new manager Arne Slot, and the ever-present threat of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
This is more than just a casual comment. It is a statement that deserves deeper reflection — and in this long read, we’ll unpack why Salah sees Arsenal as number one, how Liverpool are shaping up in their title defence, and what this season’s battle for supremacy might look like.
Arne Slot could not have asked for a better debut season at Anfield. Taking over from Jürgen Klopp was always going to be one of the toughest jobs in football. Klopp was not just a manager, but a cultural figure at Liverpool, leaving behind a dynasty of trophies, iconic nights, and a team that played with fire in their veinst, however, rose to the challenge, guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title in his very first season. His system — rooted in fluid possession, aggressive pressing, and tactical versatility — breathed new life into a squad that many thought had peaked.
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This season, Liverpool have begun brightly. A 4–2 win over Bournemouth showcased their attacking prowess, while a dramatic last-gasp victory against Newcastle, courtesy of 16-year-old debutant Rio Ngumoha’s stunning 100th-minute strike, reminded the league of their resilience and ability to produce magic in big moments.
Yet, beneath the excitement, there are signs of fragility. Liverpool’s defence, despite the presence of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, has looked vulnerable. Seven goals scored in two matches is impressive, but conceding four has already raised eyebrows. Critics argue that this Liverpool side can sometimes look too open, particularly when opponents spring fast counter-attacks.
For Salah, who has lived through both the highs of title wins and the lows of near-misses, this reality cannot be ignored. He understands that a title race is not just about flair and fireworks — it’s about control, discipline, and consistency. And it’s here that Arsenal, in his eyes, have the edge. Arsenal’s Rise: A Team Forged in ContinuityWhn Salah pointed to Arsenal’s stability, he wasn’t exaggerating.
Arteta has been at Arsenal for over five years now, gradually transforming the club from perennial underachievers into genuine title contenders. While the Gunners have flirted with glory in previous seasons, this campaign feels different.
Arsenal’s start has been flawless: a narrow win over Manchester United, followed by a 5–0 demolition of Leeds United. What stands out most is not their goalscoring — though they have plenty of firepower in Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and new signing Viktor Gyökeres — but their defensive solidity. They are yet to concede a single goal this season, with William Saliba and Gabriel forming arguably the best centre-back pairing in the league.
For Salah, this consistency is everythin “They have a team that has played together for five, six years. They understand each other’s game, and they have a manager who has been with them for that long. When a team sticks together like that, everything becomes easier.”
He is right. Chemistry cannot be bought. It is forged through shared experiences, heartbreaks, and triumphs. Arsenal’s core has grown together — Saka, Martinelli, Ødegaard, White, Saliba — and that cohesion is paying dividends. Manchester City: The Ever-Present ShadowOf course, no discussion of the Premier League title race is complete without mentioning Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s men remain the gold standard. They may have endured a slightly turbulent summer, with several key players moving on and new signings still adapting, but City are never to be underestimated. Their tactical flexibility, relentless mentality, and sheer squad depth mean they are always favourites in any competition they enter.Salah acknowledged this himself: “A team with Pep Guardiola is always the favourite. But this year, in my opinion, Arsenal is number one
While Salah didn’t specifically name Spurs, their presence in the early season cannot be ignored. Ange Postecoglou has built on last year’s momentum, and Tottenham, like Arsenal, have a perfect record so far. With the likes of James Maddison, Son Heung-min, and Rasmus Højlund firing, Spurs look more dangerous than they have in years. Could they sustain a title push? History suggests otherwise, but in a season where multiple teams look capable, dismissing Spurs outright would be a mistake.
At 33, Salah knows his career is entering its final chapters at the very highest level. Yet his hunger remains undiminished. By publicly backing Arsenal, he is not admitting defeat — far from it. Instead, he is signalling his awareness of the challenges Liverpool face.
Salah has always thrived under pressure, often delivering in clutch moments. His words may also serve a psychological purpose: shifting the narrative, reducing pressure on Liverpool, and perhaps motivating his teammates by reminding them they are still outsiders in many eyes. This weekend’s clash at Anfield is more than a game — it is a statement of intent. Both sides have perfect records, both are hungry for dominance, and both see each other as direct rivals.
For Liverpool, it is a chance to remind the league that the defending champions are still the team to beat. For Arsenal, it is an opportunity to back up Salah’s praise with a performance that shows they truly belong at the summit. The tactical battle will be fascinating:
Slot’s pressing and fluid attacking patterns vs Arteta’s control and defensive organisation.
Salah and Darwin Núñez against Saliba and Gabriel.
Odegaard pulling strings against Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endō.
Whichever way it goes, the match will set the tone for the months ahead
Salah’s comments have sparked mixed reactions among fans.
Some Liverpool supporters worry that he has given Arsenal too much respect, almost conceding psychological ground before a ball is ven kicked.
Others see it as humility, a mark of Salah’s honesty and professionalism.
Arsenal fans, predictably, have embraced his words as validation of their progress.
But in truth, mind games are part of football. Whether intentional or not, Salah’s remarks add spice to a rivalry that is quickly becoming one of the Premier League’s defining battles
As the Premier League enters the 2025/26 season, we stand on the brink of one of the most competitive title races in history. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and even Tottenham look capable of challenging for the crown.
Mohamed Salah’s verdict — that Arsenal are favourites — is bold, but it is rooted in logic. Stability, chemistry, and defensive strength are priceless assets in a title race. Yet football is unpredictable. Injuries, form, and moments of brilliance can reshape narratives in an instant.
What is certain is that this season will test every ounce of resilience, talent, and belief from the contenders. And as Salah himself knows better than most, it’s not about who looks strongest in August, but who is still standing tall in May.
Liverpool fans will hope that when the dust settles, it is their captain and talisman lifting yet another Premier League trophy at Anfield. Arsenal fans will believe this is finally their year. City, meanwhile, will quietly prepare to do what they always do: win. The race is on. And thanks to Salah’s words, the spotlight burns brighter than ever.
