Paul Merson makes wild Arsenal and Liverpool Premier League title claim
Arne Slot couldn’t have asked for a better start to life at Liverpool, lifting the Premier League trophy in his first season.
Although there were worries about the transition from Jurgen Klopp, Slot has handled it seamlessly and created a strong Liverpool side.
However, despite sitting 12 points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, there have been plenty of suggestions this season that Arsenal’s bad luck has handed the Reds the title.
With that in mind, the pressure is already on the Liverpool boss to execute his summer transfer business perfectly in preparation for the new campaign.
Paul Merson makes Liverpool claim
One thing that could have infringed on Liverpool’s mindset this season was the ongoing contract saga regarding Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
However, this seemingly took a back seat and once the title was secured, Salah and van Dijk soon committed their futures to Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold, on the other hand, is leaving Anfield this season, but keeping two of the three players is a strong indication of where Liverpool are as a club.
While the retention of Salah and van Dijk is massive in itself, two core players will also help attract others to Merseyside, while showing existing teammates that it is the place to be.
Therefore, this should put the Reds in a strong position entering the summer transfer window.
Nevertheless, Paul Merson has sent a clear warning to Liverpool that this season’s title race was decided by injuries.
Talking about Arsenal’s season live on Sky Sports Main Event, the pundit said (18 May, 6:43pm): “They’re not far away, they need a centre-forward. A couple of injuries here and there.
“I know people go, ‘oh, but everyone has injuries’. No, they didn’t, not to key, key players.
“I always say it, if you took Salah and Van Dijk out of that Liverpool team, believe me that is not winning the league if they’re out for a long period of time and that’s what’s happened.”
Slot can prove point with Liverpool
There is no doubt that Arsenal have been hit with bad luck when it comes to injuries this season and that has affected them.
However, Slot’s men have lost just three games this season, one of which when they had already won the league, and that form certainly isn’t any fluke.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost |
| Liverpool | 36 | 25 | 8 | 3 |
| Arsenal | 37 | 19 | 14 | 4 |
You can only beat what’s in front of you and that’s exactly what Liverpool have done throughout the season, so you couldn’t ask for much more from them.
The Merseyside outfit will be keen to go even further next term, retaining the Premier League title as well as getting their hands on another trophy.
The comments from elsewhere will only serve as motivation and Slot will be eager to have strength in depth to ensure that any injuries are not season-defining for his men.