Speaking during the Professional Footballers’ Association awards, where he collected a record third PFA Players’ Player of the Year trophy after a remarkable 29-goal, 18-assist campaign, the Egyptian forward praised the Gunners’ cohesion and continuity.
Salah revealed that Mikel Arteta’s squad has been largely intact for five to six years, allowing the players to develop a deep understanding of each other’s game. In his words, “Arsenal are the favourites because they have a team that have played together for five, six years, so they understand each other. My opinion this year is Arsenal number one.”
His remarks come despite Liverpool entering the season as defending champions and having strengthened significantly in the transfer market. Arsenal, who have finished runners-up for three consecutive seasons, have also invested heavily, with the arrival of striker Viktor Gyökeres seen as a potential final piece in their title puzzle. While Manchester City remain a formidable force, Salah’s comments could be interpreted as both genuine praise and subtle mind games aimed at shifting pressure onto Arsenal.
The timing of Salah’s statement adds extra spice to this weekend’s Premier League blockbuster, as Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, August 31, in a clash between two sides who have both opened the season with back-to-back wins.
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