Michael Owen backs Liverpool to challenge Arsenal for Premier League title and tips Alexander Isak to shine against Newcastle
Michael Owen believes Liverpool is fully capable of challenging Arsenal for the Premier League title, even though the Merseyside club is entering the new season amidst significant changes.
The former Liverpool striker also highlighted Alexander Isak ahead of the clash with Newcastle at St James’ Park, as the Swedish forward prepares to face his former club.
**Liverpool can still contend for the title**
According to Owen, the fact that Liverpool is starting the season with a new manager and without Mohamed Salah does not mean they are out of the title race.
“I wouldn’t be too surprised if Liverpool won the league,” Owen remarked.
The former English striker believes Liverpool still possesses a high-quality squad and retains the opportunity to bring in new signings during the final weeks of the transfer window.
For Owen, a Liverpool title win is a distinct possibility, even though Arsenal is currently rated more highly.
**Arsenal holds a significant advantage**
Owen suggests that Arsenal enters the season with a more stable foundation than most of their rivals.
Mikel Arteta’s team enjoyed an impressive campaign last season and has maintained a stable core squad. This marks a crucial difference compared to Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, or Manchester United.
“Arsenal is in a better position right now,” Owen emphasized.
In his view, Arsenal faces very few major uncertainties heading into the new season. In contrast, Liverpool must contend with significant changes in the managerial role as well as Salah’s departure.
**Liverpool faces the post-Salah challenge**
Mohamed Salah’s departure poses one of the biggest questions for Liverpool.
For years, the Egyptian forward has been a vital source of goals and assists for the team. Consequently, with Salah leaving Anfield, Liverpool must find a way to redistribute the goal-scoring responsibilities.
Owen acknowledges this as a major uncertainty.
However, that does not mean Liverpool cannot compete for the title. The squad still boasts plenty of quality attacking talent, and further reinforcements could be added before the transfer window closes.
If the new signings settle in quickly, Liverpool is well-positioned to remain competitive throughout the long campaign.
Arne Slot departs; Andoni Iraola ushers in a new era
An even more significant change is the departure of Arne Slot from the managerial role following a successful debut season.
Slot led Liverpool to the title in his very first season at the helm, so his exit leaves a considerable void.
Andoni Iraola has been chosen to take over the position.
The former Bournemouth manager faces immense pressure as he steps in to lead a squad that has just won the Premier League.
Consequently, the opening match at St James’ Park holds special significance.
It is not merely the season opener; it marks the beginning of a completely new Liverpool side.
Alexander Isak returns to face Newcastle
One of the most compelling storylines heading into the match centers on Alexander Isak.
The Swedish striker previously played for Newcastle, establishing himself as one of the team’s standout performers in the Premier League.
Isak’s return to St James’ Park in a Liverpool shirt is sure to create a unique atmosphere.
Owen believes Isak has the ability to make a decisive impact against his former club.
It will be a challenging psychological test for the Swede, but also an opportunity to prove he can be a key figure in Liverpool’s plans.
Questions surround Manchester City too
Owen also pointed out that Liverpool is not the only team entering the season with uncertainties.
Manchester City is also facing major changes. Owen views Pep Guardiola’s departure and squad-related issues—specifically the absence of Rodri—as two significant setbacks.
This makes the Premier League title race far more unpredictable.
Should Manchester City falter, Liverpool could well seize the opportunity to close the gap on Arsenal or even overtake them.
Questions surround Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester United as well.
Owen believes that virtually every major Premier League club faces unresolved questions.
Chelsea and Tottenham are heading into the season with new managers.
Manchester United must prepare for a more congested fixture list and is also without Casemiro.
Meanwhile, Liverpool must adapt to a new manager and address the void left by Salah.
According to Owen, only Arsenal possesses a relatively stable foundation.
Yet, the instability of their rivals could actually create an opening for Liverpool.
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if Liverpool had a fantastic season.”
Owen’s message is clear: Liverpool may not be the top favorite, but they certainly cannot be underestimated.
Arsenal might hold the advantage, but the Premier League is always full of surprises.
Liverpool still boasts a high-quality squad, title-contending experience, and a new manager with his own distinct ideas.
If their attack can find a way to fill the void left by Salah, and Isak quickly proves his worth, Liverpool could become a formidable contender in the title race.
And should they kick off the season with a victory right at St James’ Park, that belief would be further reinforced.
Michael Owen might not be tipping Liverpool as the number one favorite, but he believes that seeing the Reds lift the Premier League trophy once again would hardly be a shock.
The season has only just begun, yet Liverpool possesses all the ingredients to turn the title race into a thrilling battle with Arsenal.
