Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has issued a stark reminder to Premier League leaders Arsenal that the title is far from decided, despite the Gunners holding a significant advantage ahead of their seismic clash this week.
Title Race Far From Over, Says Szoboszlai
The Hungary international, whose stunning late free-kick won the reverse fixture at Anfield back in September, dismissed suggestions that Arsenal are already champions-elect. Speaking to Sky Sports, Szoboszlai emphasised the long road ahead in the campaign. "Oh my god. It's a long way… the Premier League is not easy. You don't win it by January. So I don't think so," he stated when asked about facing the potential champions.
He was quick to praise Mikel Arteta's side but pointed out the other contenders still in the hunt. "They are one of the favourites this year. Unbelievable team but we should also not forget about Man City, about Aston Villa, who is doing very good. So we don't play against the Champions. They [Arsenal] play against the champions," Szoboszlai added, referencing Liverpool's status as the reigning title holders.
League Standings and Injury Blow for Reds
Arsenal currently sit six points clear of both Manchester City and Aston Villa, with Liverpool a further eight points back in fourth, trailing by 14 points overall. This gap persisted despite Liverpool's nine-game unbeaten run across all competitions, a sequence manager Arne Slot believes contains "two draws too many," including a frustrating 2-2 draw with Fulham last weekend.
Ahead of the crucial encounter at the Emirates, Liverpool have been dealt a significant injury concern. Striker Hugo Ekitike is a major doubt after missing the Fulham match with a minor hamstring issue and failing to return to training promptly. With Alexander Isak also injured and Mohamed Salah still at the Africa Cup of Nations, his absence would be a severe blow to Liverpool's attacking options.
Slot confirmed the situation, saying, "He has not trained with us until now and let's see if he can today. I have said two or three days ago that he is not going to be out for long but, because games come so fast, he's in between training with the team or it could take him one or two days extra."
Pressure Mounts on League Leaders
The context of the match adds further intrigue, as Arsenal's lead could be cut before they even kick a ball against Liverpool, with both Manchester City and Aston Villa in action earlier in the week. The Gunners have only been beaten twice this season, with Liverpool being one of those two sides.
Slot also responded to criticism from some fans about his team's style of play, which has been labelled dull. "I find it really hard to hear, but it's not that I completely disagree – I would use different words," he admitted. "I want to win as many trophies as I can, but I think I am also known for the fact that my teams always try to play attacking football. I can only say that we are still trying to do so."
As the Premier League enters its decisive phase, Szoboszlai's warning underscores the unpredictable nature of the title race, setting the stage for a potentially pivotal night in North London.
