Paul Scholes surprised Jamie Carragher by claiming Liverpool are ‘better’ than title rivals Arsenal and more of a threat to Premier League champions Manchester City.
Arsenal have been Man City’s biggest rival for the title over the last two years – finishing just two points off Pep Guardiola’s side last season – and look set to mount another challenge during the current campaign.
The Gunners have taken 14 points from their opening six games to sit third, level with Manchester City and one behind early pace-setters Liverpool.
Arsenal’s only dropped points came in draws with Brighton and Manchester City, with Mikel Arteta’s side making a strong start to a campaign they hope will culminate in a first Premier League trophy since 2004.
In order for that to happen Arsenal will of course need to finish above Man City, who are seeking a record-extending fifth successive Premier League title, and Liverpool.
The Reds challenged for the title throughout the 2023-24 season before falling away towards the end of Jurgen Klopp’s celebrated tenure.
Some expected Liverpool to take some time to click under the German’s replacement, Arne Slot, but five wins from six games represents a superb start to his reign at Anfield.
Scholes has been impressed by Liverpool, so much so he believes they are currently ‘better’ than Arsenal and will be Manchester City’s biggest competition for the title this season.
‘Do you not think you’ve got a chance? I think you’re better than Arsenal, I think you’re better than Arsenal,’ Scholes said to a Liverpool fan on The Overlap with Sky Bet.
‘They excite me more. It’s not nice saying that but honestly, Liverpool do excite me more.
‘Everything they’ve got, it feels better than Arsenal. I think Pep Guardiola might be more worried about Liverpool than Arsenal.’
Responding to Scholes’ claim, Anfield legend Carragher said: ‘You think Liverpool are better than Arsenal? That’s interesting. I don’t actually.
‘Last season surprised us all with Liverpool being right up there. They were actually top with seven or eight games to go.
‘People are questioning the lack of signings because they think we need to improve to compete with Man City and Arsenal.
‘But one thing I would say is Liverpool had so many injuries last season, it was unbelievable how we kept it going really.
‘If Liverpool don’t have the injuries they had last season, and they mirror their form, they will be in with a shout, they will be there or thereabouts.’
Premier League champions Manchester City were held to their second successive draw at the weekend by Newcastle United, while Liverpool and Arsenal beat Wolves and Leicester respectively.
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