"Personally, I still think Liverpool are the best in the Premier League," Owen said about the team he played for from 1996 to 2004 on BBC's Wayne Rooney Show.
Liverpool is currently ranked sixth, 19 points behind Arsenal. Yet, in Owen's view, the current Arsenal squad has not reached the level Liverpool displayed last season on their way to winning the Premier League title.
"I know everyone will mock, saying 'Where are they now, 6th place?'. Last season, Liverpool dominated the league; they are just not playing well now. But if you put every Premier League team at their absolute best and say 'Come on, play at your highest level', then I believe Liverpool is still the strongest team."
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk clears the ball from Arsenal forward Viktor Gokyeres during their 1-0 win in round 3 of the Premier League at Anfield on 30/8/2025. *Photo: Reuters* |
What disappoints Owen is how Liverpool has struggled this season despite adding quality new signings like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz to their championship-winning squad from last season. The 2001 Ballon d'Or winner said, "It's hard to believe they've declined like this. However, I think it's only a matter of time, perhaps next season, before we see them return to their peak once again."
"Arsenal will win the championship this season. But don't tell me they are as good as, or even close to, the level of Liverpool last season. I believe Liverpool still possesses that inherent strength; they are just lacking consistency," the 46-year-old former star continued.
The striker who scored 118 goals for Liverpool is not the only prominent figure to suggest the "Gunners" have not been playing attractive football in recent weeks. There has been increasing debate about Mikel Arteta's squad being overly reliant on set pieces.
Coach Slot himself recently hinted that Arsenal is setting a new trend, focusing on corner kicks, which is making Premier League matches "less appealing than in previous years."
"You have to accept that reality," Slot said on 2/3. "I think this situation mainly occurs in the Premier League. If you watch other leagues, I don't see them emphasizing set pieces as much. Do I like it? My pure football heart says no. If you ask me what football is, I'd think of Barca's team from 10, 15 years ago. Every sunday evening, you eagerly awaited them to play."
