Mohamed Salah has identified Arsenal as the leading contenders for this season’s Premier League crown.
The Egyptian forward made the remark ahead of Liverpool’s heavyweight clash with the Gunners at Anfield on Sunday, a meeting of two sides tipped to challenge strongly for the title.
Both clubs head into the encounter with a perfect record, having secured back-to-back wins from their opening fixtures.
Tottenham Hotspur are the only other side yet to drop points.
Liverpool began their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth before edging Newcastle United 3-2 in dramatic fashion on Monday, thanks to a stoppage-time strike from 16-year-old debutant Rio Ngumoha.
While Arne Slot’s men have impressed going forward, scoring seven goals in two games, their defensive lapses remain a concern, with four goals conceded already.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have maintained a solid defensive front, yet to concede a goal after narrowly beating Manchester United 1-0 and dismantling Leeds United 5-0.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Salah said, “Of course that team, I said that a few times today and also at the PFA awards, I said like they are the favourites, because they have a team play together for five, six years, so they understand each other’s game and they have a manager also with the team for five, six years.
“When the team has stuck together for that long, they know each other’s game, so it becomes easier for them.
“But other teams like us and Manchester City changing a lot of players, which is sometimes tricky.
“But again, like team with Pep Guardiola, they are always the favourites.
“But of course, in my opinion, this year Arsenal is number one.”