Michael Owen names the only team that can stop Liverpool winning the title

Michael Owen has stirred up the Premier League debate by identifying Arsenal as the sole contender capable of thwarting Liverpool’s title ambitions this season. As the Reds continue to dominate under new manager Arne Slot, Owen believes the Gunners hold the only realistic chance of derailing Liverpool’s march to glory.

Liverpool currently sits seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, having lost just one match so far this season. Their consistency under Slot has been nothing short of remarkable, with the team firing on all cylinders. Meanwhile, Arsenal, positioned fourth, could leapfrog to second place if they secure victory against Ipswich at the Emirates this evening.

Should Arsenal manage to close the gap, they would still trail Liverpool by six points, with the Reds holding a game in hand. However, Owen insists that no other team, not even Manchester City or Chelsea, poses a threat as significant as Arsenal.

Speaking to Premier League Productions after Liverpool’s impressive 3-1 comeback win against Leicester City on Boxing Day, Owen highlighted Liverpool’s dominance and the complacency of their rivals. “Liverpool are loving life at the top of the table,” Owen said. “They’re not just playing well, but their main competitors seem to be falling apart.”

The former Liverpool striker noted Chelsea’s defeat and Manchester City’s dropped points as key examples of why the title race seems to favor Liverpool. “When I look at the league table, it’s hard to see anyone catching them. Arsenal might have the tools to mount a challenge, but even that feels like a long shot,” he added.

Owen was quick to praise Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta, labeling them as the “only danger” to Liverpool. He admitted that Arsenal’s attacking depth and newfound resilience have made them a formidable side, yet Liverpool’s current form makes their task nearly impossible.

“For me, it’s Arsenal and Arsenal only,” Owen said. “If Liverpool falters, it will be their own doing, not because of an external challenge. They’re streaking ahead, and it would take a monumental collapse for anyone to catch them.”

Despite Owen’s confidence in Liverpool, manager Arne Slot remains cautious. The Dutchman, known for his meticulous approach, stressed that there is no room for complacency, even with a significant lead at the halfway point of the season.

“It’s far too early to celebrate,” Slot remarked. “We’ve been excellent so far, but there are still 21 games left. That’s a lot of football to be played, and anything can happen. We focus on one game at a time and never look too far ahead.”

Slot’s humility underscores his awareness of the challenges ahead. With injuries, fatigue, and unexpected results always a factor in the Premier League, Liverpool knows they must maintain their momentum to secure the title.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s task will be to sustain their current form and capitalize on any slip-ups from the league leaders. Owen emphasized that the Gunners must win crucial matches, including the reverse fixture against Liverpool, to stay in contention.

Arsenal’s reliance on young stars like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, combined with the experience of players like Martin Ødegaard, gives them a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level. However, inconsistency has plagued them in recent seasons, making their challenge even steeper.

Liverpool’s dominance under Slot has been marked by tactical brilliance, high pressing, and relentless attacking play. The Reds have showcased their depth and versatility, with standout performances from players like Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Owen’s analysis also touched on the struggles of Manchester City and Chelsea, both of whom have failed to keep pace with Liverpool this season. He attributed City’s decline to defensive lapses and Chelsea’s issues to a lack of cohesion under their new manager.

“Manchester City and Chelsea are out of the picture,” Owen declared. “They’ve dropped too many points, and their performances have been inconsistent. Arsenal is the only team with enough quality and momentum to challenge Liverpool.”

As the season progresses, Liverpool will aim to keep their focus and extend their lead at the top. Arsenal, on the other hand, must prove their mettle and show they can sustain a title challenge.

For Liverpool fans, Owen’s prediction brings hope and confidence. But in the unpredictable world of football, nothing is guaranteed until the final whistle blows in May. With the Premier League known for its twists and turns, the race is far from over, and Arsenal’s pursuit of Liverpool adds an intriguing subplot to the season.

As the evening’s fixtures approach, all eyes will be on Arsenal and whether they can close the gap. Liverpool, however, remains firmly in control, and only time will tell if Owen’s prophecy holds true.

The next few weeks promise to be decisive, with key matches on the horizon. Liverpool’s resilience and Arsenal’s determination will define the trajectory of the title race, leaving fans eagerly anticipating every twist and turn.