Former England striker Michael Owen has stirred controversy by declaring that Liverpool, not Arsenal, are the best team in the Premier League, despite the Reds' current struggles this season. Speaking on the BBC's Wayne Rooney Show, Owen argued that Liverpool's underlying quality surpasses that of league leaders Arsenal and reigning champions Manchester City.
Owen's Bold Assertion on Liverpool's Superiority
Michael Owen expressed unwavering confidence in Liverpool's capabilities, even as they sit sixth in the table, a staggering 19 points behind Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. "Personally, I think they're the best team in the Premier League," Owen stated. He acknowledged that critics might scoff at this view given Liverpool's position, but emphasized their dominance last season under manager Arne Slot, who guided them to the title in his debut campaign.
Owen elaborated, "People will laugh like, 'where are they, sixth in the league?' They trounced the league last season, and they're not the sixth [best], they're just not playing well." He contended that in a hypothetical scenario where every Premier League team performs at their peak, Liverpool would emerge victorious. "If you get the best performance out of every team in the Premier League and say, 'right, go on, your best against your best', I think Liverpool are the best team," Owen added, highlighting the formidable challenge of facing Liverpool at Anfield when they are in form.
Wayne Rooney's Counterpoint on Arsenal's Consistency
Wayne Rooney offered a contrasting perspective, praising Arsenal for their remarkable consistency this term. "For me it's different, I think Arsenal are the most consistent team, whether they win it or not, I'm still not sure because of City, I don't know," Rooney said. He pointed to Liverpool's significant squad changes last summer, including key departures and new signings like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz, as factors disrupting their rhythm.
Rooney also noted that Liverpool's star players, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, have not been at their best this season. "The players they [Liverpool] lost last summer and the players they brought in, it's a big turnaround to get the same out of the group of players this year what they got last year," he explained. Rooney suggested that next season might be Liverpool's opportunity to reclaim their top form, acknowledging the pressure that comes with being defending champions.
Owen's Optimism for Liverpool's Future
Michael Owen remained optimistic about Liverpool's prospects, viewing a top-five finish and Champions League qualification as acceptable goals for this campaign. "I think if you ask a Liverpool fan, would you settle for finishing fifth? Champions League football is absolutely vital," Owen remarked. He believes that securing European football and potentially adding another trophy would represent a successful season, given the league title is now out of reach.
Reflecting on Liverpool's dip in form, Owen expressed disbelief at their decline from last season's dominance. "I still find it hard to believe you can go from being so dominant one season and adding some really top players... it's hard to believe they're worse, of course, they're playing worse this season but I just think it's a matter of time, maybe next season, before you see them at their very top again," he said.
Arsenal's Title Credentials Acknowledged
While Owen tipped Arsenal to win the league this season, he maintained that they do not match Liverpool's peak performance levels from the previous campaign. "Arsenal I think will go on to win the league but you can't tell me they're as good as, or even close to Liverpool last season," Owen asserted. He concluded by reiterating his faith in Liverpool's potential, stating, "I still think Liverpool have got it in them, they're just not doing it consistently."
This exchange between two football legends highlights the ongoing debate about team quality versus consistency in the Premier League, with Owen's comments sure to spark discussion among fans and pundits alike as the season reaches its climax.
