In a season where Liverpool’s title defense has crumbled, former Reds striker Michael Owen has sparked debate by claiming his old club is still the “best team in the Premier League.” Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC, Owen’s comments come as Arsenal dominate the 2025-26 campaign, sitting 19 points clear of a struggling Liverpool side languishing in sixth place. For fans visiting Krikya for the latest football insights, this analysis dives deep into Owen’s reasoning, the contrasting fortunes of both clubs, and what the future holds for Arne Slot’s squad.
The Context: Liverpool’s Defensive Collapse
Liverpool entered the 2025-26 season aiming for back-to-back league titles after a dominant 2024-25 campaign. However, their defense has been far from convincing. With only nine games remaining, the Reds find themselves 19 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, a gap that has left many questioning their consistency. Owen, a Ballon d’Or winner and Liverpool legend, acknowledged the struggles but argued that on their day, no team matches Liverpool’s peak performance.
“Personally, I think they’re the best team in the Premier League,” Owen said. “People will laugh like, ‘where are they, sixth in the league?’ They trounced the league last season; they’re just not playing well. But if you get the best performance out of every team and say, ‘right, go on. Your best against your best,’ I think Liverpool are the best team.”
This perspective is rooted in Liverpool’s explosive form last season, where they scored 86 goals and accumulated 84 points—a benchmark that Arsenal, despite their league-leading position, have yet to match. Owen believes the current squad’s underperformance is temporary, predicting a return to the top “maybe next season.”
Arsenal’s Rise: Effective but Not Elite?
Arsenal currently hold a seven-point lead over Manchester City, who have a game in hand, and are on track to secure the Premier League title. Mikel Arteta’s side has been praised for their defensive rigidity and set-piece prowess, tying a record with 16 goals from corners this season. Yet, critics have questioned their style, labeling it pragmatic rather than exhilarating.
Owen’s assessment of Arsenal is mixed: “Arsenal I think will go on to win the league. But you can’t tell me they’re as good as, or even close to Liverpool last season. I think Liverpool have got it in them—they’re just not doing it consistently.”
This highlights a key debate in English football: is dominance measured by peak performance or sustained results? Arsenal’s consistency this season has been remarkable, but Owen’s comments suggest their ceiling is lower than Liverpool’s, which could impact their ability to compete at the highest level in Europe.
Tactical Analysis: What’s Gone Wrong for Liverpool?
Arne Slot’s Liverpool has struggled with injuries, a lack of midfield creativity, and defensive lapses that were absent last season. Key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have shown flashes of brilliance but not the week-in, week-out reliability that defined their title-winning campaign.
- Defensive Instability: Liverpool have conceded 38 goals this season, compared to 28 at the same stage last year.
- Midfield Void: The departure of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho has left a gap, with young talents like Harvey Elliott and Alexis Mac Allister still finding their rhythm.
- Injury Woes: Key defenders like Ibrahima Konaté and Kostas Tsimikas have missed significant time, disrupting Slot’s preferred backline.
Despite these issues, Owen’s faith in Liverpool’s potential is not unfounded. When at their best, the Reds have dismantled top sides like Manchester City and Tottenham, showcasing the attacking firepower that earned them the title last year.
The Wayne Rooney Show Interview: Key Quotes
Owen’s full interview on The Wayne Rooney Show offered further insights into his thinking. He emphasized that Liverpool’s current struggles are a “matter of time” before they reclaim their status. “It’s hard to believe that they’re worse now,” Owen added. “But I just think it’s a matter of time, maybe next season, before you see them at their very top again.”
This optimism is shared by some pundits, but not all. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, dismissed Owen’s claims as “romanticism,” pointing to Arsenal’s superior points total and tactical discipline.
What This Means for the Premier League Title Race
With Arsenal holding a commanding lead, the focus has shifted to Liverpool’s fight for a top-four finish. The Reds are currently sixth, three points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, with games against Tottenham and Chelsea looming. A loss to Spurs could all but end their Champions League hopes, making Owen’s comments seem like wishful thinking.
However, if Liverpool can rediscover their form, they could still pose a threat in the FA Cup and potentially qualify for Europe, setting the stage for a resurgence next season. For Krikya readers, this story underscores the unpredictability of the Premier League, where even champions can fall from grace.
Conclusion: Liverpool’s Legacy vs. Arsenal’s Reality
Michael Owen’s claim that Liverpool are the Premier League’s best team may seem bold given their current position, but it reflects a deeper truth about football: form is temporary, class is permanent. While Arsenal deserve credit for their consistency, their inability to reach Liverpool’s peak levels raises questions about their long-term dominance.
As the season enters its final stretch, fans should keep an eye on Liverpool’s response against Tottenham this weekend. Can they prove Owen right? Or will Arsenal silence the doubters with another clinical display? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore more football analysis on Krikya. Whether you’re a Red or a Gunner, the debate is far from over.
