Michael Owen has stated that he ‘can’t believe it’ but he thinks Arsenal are now the ‘second-best’ team in the Premier League – as he shocked Ian Wright with his comments.
Those claims by the former Liverpool striker came before Mikel Arteta’s side beat the Reds on Sunday – after the game, Owen then added by saying that Arsenal ‘deserved’ to win and the ‘tide is turning’.
When the Gunners were beaten by Manchester United a number of weeks ago, they were criticised for losing their first real test of the Premier League campaign.
Well, fast forward to the present and they ended Tottenham’s unbeaten start to the league last week in the north London derby.
And now they have added further woe to a Liverpool team that was previously seen as the next best after the dominant champions of England, Manchester City.
Well, prior to Arsenal going back to the top of the Premier League table, Owen was asked if he thinks Arteta’s side are the next best after Manchester City, before later sharing his verdict on the game at the Emirates, as he told Premier League Productions (09/10/22 at 6:35 pm).
“I never thought I would say this, but yes I do,” said Owen, as he looked over towards Wright. “The way they are. There is no fluke about it, at the moment. They have got very, very good players. They are playing in a very good way. Confidence throughout the team and confidence at the club.
“Some of the main protagonists are struggling, at the moment. So, yes I do think they could be the biggest challengers. I never thought I would say that. I can’t believe it.”
After Arsenal beat the Reds, Owen added: “There is no question Arsenal deserved to win. I thought they played really well. Lots of energy. There is a great vibe throughout the stadium. Liverpool contributed, they didn’t play bad at all.
“But what I think you are seeing, which is what we expected actually before the game and that Liverpool have dropped 5-10% on last season and Arsenal have picked things up on about 20% from last season. The tide is turning slightly. I thought Arsenal deserved it.”
ARSENAL 14 POINTS AHEAD OF LIVERPOOL…
Even for this early on in the season, that’s a crazy number, which could easily be increased by this time next week.
Whilst Arsenal face off against Leeds United next week, Klopp and his players will take on Manchester City at Anfield and the goal-crazy Erling Haaland will be licking his lips.
Many will now be backing the Merseyside giants to lose, and if they do and Arsenal win as expected at Elland Road, then that’s a 17-point difference.
This has to be some kind of Kevin Keegan-like collapse from the London club to, not just mess up Champions League football for this campaign, but have Liverpool finish above them.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
