LONDON – As Arsenal continues to lead the Premier League standings, a provocative claim from former Liverpool striker Michael Owen is fueling debate about the true hierarchy of English football. Owen, speaking to the BBC, suggested that despite their current position, Liverpool – not Arsenal – represents the Premier League’s strongest side when considering peak performance. The assertion comes as Arsenal aims to secure its first league title in two decades, but Owen’s analysis raises questions about consistency and the Gunners’ overall quality compared to last season’s dominant Liverpool team.
Currently, Arsenal holds a seven-point lead over Manchester City, with City having a game in hand, at the top of the table. However, Owen believes that Liverpool, currently sixth and 19 points behind Arsenal, possesses a higher ceiling. “Personally, I believe they’re the best team in the Premier League,” Owen stated. “People will laugh, ‘where are they, sixth in the league?’ They trounced the league last season, they’re just not playing well.”
This isn’t simply a case of nostalgia for a past champion. Owen emphasized that a hypothetical matchup between all Premier League teams at their absolute best would notice Liverpool emerge victorious. He argues that the current league standings don’t fully reflect the inherent quality within the Liverpool squad. The former Ballon d’Or winner believes Liverpool’s struggles this season are a matter of consistency, not a fundamental decline in talent.
Liverpool’s 2025-26 campaign has been a stark contrast to their title-winning form. Despite significant investment in players like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitz, and Florian Wirtz (as reported by sources cited in the original reporting), the team has failed to replicate its previous success. Owen attributes this to a lack of consistent performance, rather than a deficiency in the squad’s overall quality. He predicts a return to form for Liverpool in the near future.
While acknowledging Arsenal’s potential to win the league this season, Owen doesn’t believe Mikel Arteta’s side reaches the level demonstrated by Liverpool last year. Liverpool scored 86 goals and amassed 84 points in their championship-winning season. Arsenal, as of March 14, 2026, is 17 points shy of that total. This comparison underscores Owen’s point about a gap in overall quality, even as Arsenal leads the standings.
Owen’s comments also reignite the discussion surrounding Arsenal’s playing style, which has drawn criticism for its reliance on set pieces. Arsenal has tied a Premier League record with 16 goals from corner kicks this season, and their defensive rigidity is also a key component of their success. However, some observers question whether this approach is sustainable or aesthetically pleasing, particularly when compared to the more fluid attacking football often associated with Liverpool at their best.
The debate extends beyond simple statistics and league position. It touches on the subjective assessment of a team’s potential and the ability to consistently perform at a high level. While Arsenal is currently enjoying success, the question remains whether they can maintain that form throughout the remainder of the season and beyond. Liverpool’s struggles this year serve as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that past achievements are no guarantee of future success.
For Arsenal fans, Owen’s assessment may feel dismissive, particularly given their team’s current standing. However, his perspective highlights the importance of sustained excellence and the potential for Liverpool to reclaim its position as the dominant force in English football. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Arsenal can silence the doubters and secure the Premier League title, or if Owen’s prediction of a Liverpool resurgence will ultimately prove correct.
The Premier League season is entering its final stretch, and the battle for the title remains fiercely competitive. Arsenal’s next challenge comes against [insert next opponent and verified date/time/location here – *verification required*], a match that will undoubtedly be scrutinized as a test of their championship credentials. Liverpool, meanwhile, will seem to build momentum and climb the table, starting with their upcoming fixture against [insert next opponent and verified date/time/location here – *verification required*].
As the season unfolds, the debate over which team truly reigns supreme in the Premier League is sure to continue. Michael Owen’s comments have added another layer of intrigue to an already captivating title race, reminding fans that form is temporary, but class – as Liverpool demonstrated last season – is permanent.
