Rio Ferdinand has identified the ‘team to beat’ in the Premier League following a weekend where Arsenal secured a dramatic victory and Liverpool suffered their first loss.
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Though not at their peak, reigning champions Liverpool had collected a perfect 15 points from their opening five fixtures. ..Continue Reading
That streak featured several late goals, but their luck ran out on Saturday when they conceded in stoppage time to fall 2-1 at Crystal Palace.
Federico Chiesa appeared to rescue a point for Liverpool with an 87th-minute equaliser after Ismaila Sarr’s early strike at Selhurst Park.
However, Eddie Nketiah gave his former side Arsenal a boost by netting a dramatic winner for Palace, ending Liverpool’s unbeaten run.
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Arsenal, who have finished second in the Premier League for the last three seasons, were eager to capitalize on Liverpool’s setback but looked headed for defeat as they trailed Newcastle United at St James’ Park following Nick Woltemade’s first-half goal.
Mikel Arteta’s men had dropped points in two of their last three matches but avoided further disappointment thanks to a spirited late rally, with Mikel Merino and Gabriel both scoring headers in the final ten minutes.
The weekend’s results leave Liverpool just two points ahead of Arsenal after six games, with Manchester City and Chelsea currently outside the top four.
Arsenal are now slight favourites for the title according to the bookmakers, impressed by their solid form during a challenging start to the campaign.
Ferdinand considers Arsenal’s win over Newcastle ‘massive’ but still views Liverpool as the frontrunners to defend their crown.
‘This was a massive, massive shift in mindset and belief,’ Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel when asked about Arsenal’s comeback win.
‘They answered a lot of the critics out there. To go to Newcastle and win is huge because if they draw that game or lose that game questions would be asked.
‘I’m not saying they will win the league but there’s moments in the season that you draw inspiration from. Newcastle isn’t an easy place to go.
‘That game means so much to that team because there was so much riding on it, they had to capitalise on Liverpool dropping points.
‘Liverpool are the team to beat. They are. They’re the champions, they have the most experience, you’ve got to watch them. They’re the team everyone will have to chase.’
Ferdinand’s former Manchester United colleague Gary Neville also believes the title race is already down to two contenders: Liverpool and Arsenal.
‘Mikel Arteta has got a brilliant squad,’ Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast after watching Arsenal’s comeback win at St James’ Park.
‘He’s got a brilliant squad, I think he’s got the best squad in the league and maybe the best team in the league and I say that quietly because Liverpool are excellent.
‘There’s only two teams who can win this league – Liverpool and Arsenal – I don’t think anyone else can.
‘So I think it’s a big moment. It’s only September and it’s ridiculous to be speaking like this as someone who experienced title races.
‘But what you’ve got to do is send out some calling cards and some clear messages that you’re there in the title race and I think that’s what Arsenal have done today.’
Liverpool aim to bounce back in their next Premier League outing against Chelsea, while Arsenal welcome West Ham to the Emirates.
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