Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has openly admitted that Liverpool look like the team to beat this season, describing them as the “strongest” side in the Premier League following a remarkable summer of recruitment.
The reigning champions splashed out more than £400m in the transfer window, bringing in high-profile names such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
Their aggressive spending was matched by immediate results on the pitch, with three straight wins to start the campaign – the latest a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Anfield before the international break.
Mikel Arteta explains why Liverpool are Premier League favourites
Asked about Liverpool’s transfer business and what it means for the title race, Arteta did not hesitate to heap praise on Arne Slot’s men.
“They are the strongest for sure,” he said at a press conference, as quoted by Tribuna.
“They have recruited the two most decisive players that were in Europe in the market (Isak and Wirtz), and they did really well to do that. They were very, very strong, and we need to look at ourselves and what we have to do in terms of our abilities to be better than them.”
While Liverpool are flying, Arsenal also invested heavily, signing eight new players with a net outlay slightly higher than their rivals. Still, Arteta insisted the challenge lies in consistency, not just big signings.
“It is not about Liverpool, but the league in general and how difficult it will be with the level that it is to be so consistent and win the amount of matches you need to earn the right to win the title. That is going to be a really long run for all of us,” he explained.
The two sides have already clashed this season, with Liverpool edging it thanks to a stunning free kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.
Injury concerns for Arsenal
As Arsenal prepare to host Nottingham Forest on Saturday lunchtime, they continue to battle fitness concerns.
Bukayo Saka remains unavailable after a hamstring injury picked up in the 5-0 win over Leeds last month.
However, there was good news regarding William Saliba, per The Guardian. The French defender limped off early against Liverpool, sparking fears of a lengthy absence, but Arteta confirmed he has trained and could return against Forest.
“William trained on Friday and is in contention,” Arteta assured.