Liverpool Title Race Shaped by Arsenal Challenge, Says McManaman
Arsenal emerging as main rivals
Liverpool’s prospects of defending their Premier League title could hinge on their battles with Arsenal rather than the usual threat from Manchester City or Chelsea. That is the view of former Reds midfielder Steve McManaman, who believes Mikel Arteta’s side represent the most credible challenge to Arne Slot’s men this season.
Liverpool claimed the crown last term with four games to spare, finishing ten points clear of Arsenal. Yet McManaman feels the balance has shifted, pointing to City’s period of transition and Chelsea’s inconsistency.
“I still think it’s between Liverpool and Arsenal,” he explained. “City are rebuilding, and while they’ll be competitive, they’ve lost Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri’s out injured, the goalkeeper has changed, and there’s a new left-back. It takes time for all of that to settle. Chelsea, meanwhile, will draw too many matches. So for me it’s Liverpool and Arsenal again.”
The two sides meet at Anfield on Sunday in what already feels like a match that could shape the momentum of the campaign.
Slot’s defensive issues under scrutiny
Despite a perfect start in terms of results, questions are being raised about Liverpool’s defensive stability. Six points from six have been accompanied by four goals conceded, with the Reds twice surrendering two-goal leads.
Against Bournemouth, they looked vulnerable in transition. Against Newcastle, set pieces proved problematic. McManaman has called for improvements if Liverpool are to take maximum points against Arsenal.
“They have to be better than what we’ve seen,” he said. “The goals against Newcastle came from defensive errors. Virgil van Dijk was excellent, but others will know they must raise their level. If Liverpool defend like that on Sunday, they will be punished.”
Concerns have been directed at Milos Kerkez for his role in Newcastle’s opener, while Ibrahima Konate has made a shaky start to the season. Slot, who has been praised for his bold approach, will now be judged on his ability to shore up a defence that was the bedrock of last year’s title win.
Arsenal’s strength across the pitch
Arsenal’s summer investment has further convinced McManaman that the Gunners are the team to beat. Big-money arrivals such as Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi have added depth and variety to Arteta’s options.
“They’ve filled a lot of the gaps they had last year,” said McManaman. “They didn’t need Eze, but still went out and signed him. They’ve strengthened with a striker and midfield, and their set-piece threat remains. We’ve seen them score from corners at Anfield before, and they’ve already done it this season against Manchester United and Leeds.”
Arsenal have finished second in each of the past three campaigns, and their consistent improvement makes them well placed to challenge again. Their ability to score from a range of situations, coupled with tactical adaptability, means Liverpool will need both discipline and creativity to overcome them.
Psychological weight of Anfield clash
While Sunday’s fixture is only the third of the league season, the psychological impact of the result could be significant. A Liverpool victory would reinforce their credentials as defending champions, while defeat at Anfield to their most likely title rival would hand Arsenal an early boost.
McManaman, however, is confident that Liverpool will rise to the challenge. “It’s a curtain-raiser of sorts to see where both sides are,” he said. “Liverpool have the players, the talent and the winning experience. Arsenal have invested cleverly, but the game will come down to fine margins.”
For Slot and his squad, this match represents more than three points — it is a chance to underline their authority in a season where Arsenal’s shadow looms larger than ever.
