Salah names Arsenal as title rivals amid Liverpool rebuild

Mohamed Salah has stirred controversy on and off the pitch this week, both by naming Arsenal as his side's main title rivals ahead of Sunday’s match at Anfield and by publicly rebuking a Liverpool fan account for appearing to disrespect two recently departed teammates. The comments come as Liverpool complete a heavy summer overhaul that has reshaped their attack and reignited debate about the club's title credentials.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Salah named Arsenal as favourites for the Premier League this season, saying the Gunners had an advantage because "they have been together for 56 years, so they understand each other's game." The remark prompted a swift reaction from Arsenal supporters on social media, some pointing out their own roster changes and transfers this summer. Fans also noted Arsenal signed multiple players in the window, a fact cited repeatedly in replies to Salah’s remarks.

Salah also addressed on-field adjustments in separate remarks to the Men in Blazers podcast, saying he has not yet "figured the connections out" with new strike partner Hugo Ekitike. "Like with Darwin or Lucho or the guys they used to play in front, I knew where to start," he said. "With Hugo...