David Seaman has identified Liverpool as the team most likely to challenge Arsenal for back-to-back Premier League titles. The former Arsenal goalkeeper believes the Reds, under new manager Andoni Iraola, have the quality and depth to push the defending champions all the way.
Arsenal began their title defence with a convincing 3-0 win over Coventry City on Friday night. Summer signing Christos Tzolis impressed on his home debut, while Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Ben White all delivered eye-catching displays, suggesting they have overcome the injury issues that plagued them over the last 18 months. With Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa yet to make their competitive debuts and the club still chasing Julian Alvarez, the Gunners already look like champions-elect.
Seaman's surprise pick
Speaking exclusively to Metro, Seaman said: 'We've not seen Liverpool yet with their new manager and their new signings. I did think Man United were going to be a lot better than what I've seen today so that's been disappointing. The City result against Arsenal in the Community Shield that really disappointed me, so that threw me a little bit. So I'm looking at Liverpool, I still think City will be strong, but I'm going for Liverpool. We're waiting to see what sort of system he plays. I just think Liverpool have got a bit more quality and quality in depth that will see them, hopefully, get second.'
Liverpool parted company with Arne Slot at the end of last season and replaced him with Iraola, who masterminded Bournemouth's qualification for Europe last term. The Reds have spent relatively modestly this summer, focusing on bolstering a defence that lost both Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate. Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo have arrived to ease the burden on Virgil van Dijk, while Victor Munoz could be a shrewd addition in attack. Deals for PSG forwards Bradley Barcola and Ibrahima Mbaye are both in the pipeline.
Iraola's plans for Isak
Iraola knows Alexander Isak will score goals but is working on the striker's ability to create chances for team-mates. The Sweden international has a pivotal role as the only available centre-forward, with Hugo Ekitike still recovering from surgery on an Achilles tendon and Mohamed Salah having departed. Isak's debut campaign at Anfield was marred by injury, restricting him to just 12 starts in 22 appearances with only four goals – only one of which came after breaking his leg at Tottenham just before Christmas.
Isak's link-up with Florian Wirtz, restored to the number 10 position after being shunted around by former boss Arne Slot, is likely to be a significant factor. Iraola is keen for the Swede to have more all-round involvement.
'Alex is going to be a very important player for us this season,' Iraola said. 'Right now he is in a very good place; he has been training every day, he has not missed a session, he has been adding more and more minutes every friendly game. He played a very good World Cup in terms of availability, fitness level, and I want to keep him there as much as we can. We know his level and if we can keep him there he will score the goals and give us a lot of things. Probably my fight with him, my instructions, are more in terms of without the ball and how he can help in his position when we are with the ball so he can open spaces for other players. I am not trying to focus in terms of goals but he is a striker, he will want to score, but I try not to judge the strikers if they score or if they haven't.'
Liverpool's challenge ahead
Liverpool face Newcastle on Sunday evening, and Seaman's prediction will be put to the test. With Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool all under new management, the Premier League title race could be more open than expected. Arsenal, however, remain the team to beat, and Seaman's backing of Liverpool adds intrigue to the season ahead.
