Gary Neville sends quiet warning to Liverpool about Premier League title race
Liverpool’s early-season title charge took a stumble on Saturday as they were defeated 2-1 by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Arne Slot’s men were not up to scratch against the Eagles and lost a crucial point in the dying seconds through an Eddie Nketiah winner.
The Reds remain in pole position, but they have lost their five-point lead over title challengers Arsenal, who defeated Newcastle 2-1 thanks to a late Gabriel header on Sunday.
Liverpool are seeking to retain a league title for the first time since 1984, but these results sent them an early wake-up call for the season ahead.
Gary Neville says Arsenal have the best squad in the league
The reigning champions made a statement of intent during their 1-0 victory against Arsenal in August as Dominik Szoboszlai fired the Reds to all three points.
While Slot has faced criticism this year, the Reds have been free-flowing in attack and have scored in every game this season.
Gary Neville, however, thinks Arsenal have the tools to go one better than last season and win the Premier League, sending Liverpool a quiet warning.
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, he said: “Mikel Arteta has got a brilliant squad.
“I think he’s got the best squad in the league, and maybe the best team in the league. I say that quietly because Liverpool are excellent.
“There are only two teams that can win this league – Liverpool and Arsenal – I don’t think anyone else can.”
Liverpool and Arsenal spent over £600million combined in the summer as both clubs attempted to add to the depth in quality they already possessed.
Read more: Liverpool told where they should play Dominik Szoboszlai after ‘impossible’ developments
Liverpool’s depth in strikers will make the difference
Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak were both purchased to further pile on the colossal strike force Liverpool boasts.
Liverpool will be looking to go far in all competitions this season, and with a tough test against Galatasaray up next, they must utilise their depth.
While the Redmen added two strikers to their squad, Arsenal could only add the singular striker in Viktor Gyokeres, who has since received mixed reviews since moving to North London.
- Ekitike arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt for £80 million in July 2025
- Isak arrived from Newcastle United for £125 million in August 2025
- Gyokeres arrived from Sporting CP for £50 million in July 2025
The fact that Liverpool have two high-quality strikers while Arteta’s side only have the one, offers the Reds a reassuring insurance option should one of their centre forwards find themselves injured.
Arsenal were held back last season because they did not have a natural striker, and they were not in as fortunate a position as Liverpool, which could rely on goals from their wingers.
Should Gyokeres fall injured at any point this season, the Gunners will be left short up front again, which will play nicely into the hands of Slot‘s men.
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