Liverpool are in a better place than Arsenal right now and are more likely to win the Premier League.
The Reds have started the season well, and currently sit on 10 points from four games, the exact same record as the Gunners.
The nature of Liverpool’s start, and the manner of their performances, have impressed former winger Jermaine Pennant. Speaking on TalkSPORT, Pennant – who also played for Arsenal – has backed Liverpool to come out on top in any battle between the two clubs.
“I think so [Liverpool should be mounting a title challenge], if you look at the team and the way they’re playing. Who else is around them who should be challenging?” asked the 38-year-old.
“At the moment I would say Liverpool are in a better place than Arsenal. In the games that they’ve played, they look better than Arsenal right now. 100%.
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“That’s not me being biased, I think at the moment Arteta’s still tweaking, he doesn’t know what’s best, trying to fit everyone in the team, you see that in performances like against Fulham.
“We’ll write Man United off because they’re all over the shop at the moment. But I think Liverpool playing Arsenal, Liverpool would be the favourites going into that game.”
Pennant backs Liverpool
For some reason, there seems to be a fair amount of Arsenal fans scoffing at Pennant’s view here.
But one good season does not a consistent title challenger make. Jurgen Klopp may have a new-look team, but he’s also been there and done it all himself, and so have many of his players.
Arsenal on the other hand have not. In Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko they do have players who have won the Premier League before. But they did it at a different club, in a completely different environment.
That isn’t to say that Arsenal can’t challenge again. But early signs indicate that they’re not quite as strong as last season.
Big money signing Kai Havertz has so far failed to settle in, while they also lost Jurrien Timber for the season. Declan Rice looks like a good addition, but is he good enough to take a team from challengers to sure bet? We’re not sure.
Of course, Liverpool have challenges of their own. But the Reds have a forward line that could scare any defence in world football. In Alisson Becker they have the best goalkeeper on the planet and their midfield is growing more cohesive by the game.
The two teams may have had identical starts, but the Gunners have already played three home games. Their one away trip was a kind one to Crystal Palace. Liverpool meanwhile have already taken points from trips to Chelsea and Newcastle, as well as a tough clash against Aston Villa. Let’s take a check on this one in 10 or 12 games, we don’t think Pennant will be wrong.