Liverpool must be wary of the threat posed by Arsenal ahead of next season's Premier League title defence, Reds expert David Lynch has argued.
The Gunners travelled to Anfield last Sunday and managed to come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with the Merseysiders, thought they are still 15 points behind the champions with just two games remaining.
Few would argue that Liverpool have not been deserving of the title, but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is sure to strengthen in the summer transfer window to try and take the Reds' throne.
Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch insisted that the Lononders will be able to pose much more of a challenge to Arne Slot's side in 2025-26, saying: "If Arsenal get a couple of signings right, they'll be right up there. In terms of whether that's enough to leapfrog Liverpool will depend a lot on what Liverpool are doing.
"My slight concern about Liverpool is that there could be a little bit of a transition season coming up. It was expected to be this year but Liverpool didn't change too much, kept it ticking over and that's been helpful to them, but we know that this will be a busy summer coming up with a lot of change involved - that puts a bit of pressure on Liverpool.
"I'm of the mindset going into next season assuming that Man City will be up there, Liverpool will be up there and Arsenal will be up there, and in terms of picking who's going to be the ones who get over the line - if Arsenal make the right signings, if City do the same, if Liverpool do as well, it's going to be hard to pick who's going to be stronger. There's so many other factors."
Arsenal look certain to sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer, and should they sign a striker, they will likely be much more threatening in the final third.
Should the Anfield game be cause for concern?
Liverpool were dominant in the first half against Arsenal - creating three big chances - and they were arguably unfortunate to only be leading by two goals at the interval.
However, Bukayo Saka could have easily scored the first goal of the game, while the Gunners managed to pen the hosts into their own half for prolonged periods.
Lynch admitted that a draw was ultimately a fair outcome, but suggested that Liverpool's subpar performance levels in the second half could be explained by the fact they have already won the title, telling Sports Mole: "It was your classic game of two halves - Liverpool very good and dominant in the first half and Arsenal very good and dominant in the second half.
"I watched back some highlights this morning and saw how during some of the second-half moves that Arsenal were putting together, [players were] jogging back from Liverpool. The intensity's not quite there and that makes it hard to read too much into it.
"That level of motivation just isn't there because they've got the league wrapped up. They don't need the points, they don't need to be running themselves into the ground to get results because it just doesn't matter. A combination of that attitude and the fact Arsenal got a bit of a telling off at half time combined to make the second half a completely different contest but a two-all draw was fair in the end."
Having already won the league, it is difficult to expect Slot's players to perform to their capacity, especially after a gruelling campaign.
© Imago
Have supporters underestimated how good Arsenal are?
The Reds won the Premier League this term despite Arsenal having arguably been favourites for the title, taking advantage of the fact the Londoners have dropped points in 18 of their 36 top-flight games this term.
However, while Arteta's side look likely to finish second for a third consecutive campaign, it is commendable that they have consistently been challenging at the top end of the table.
Lynch argued that some Reds fans may be underestimating Arsenal's level due to their disappointing league season when he told Sports Mole: "With Arsenal, Liverpool supporters may be guilty at times on social media of going too far in their criticism [of Arsenal]. You can see from the Champions League run they went on, from the second half at Anfield, there's the makings of a very good team there.
"They're one of the best teams in Europe in terms of penning you in and pressing you. The defensive aspect of how they work is very good and impressive, [but] the big issue this year - and you don't have to be an avid Arsenal watcher to know this - is that the balance has tipped too far in favour of defence. They don't have enough creativity and goals, but all the fundamentals are there.
"If they get a couple of signings right in attacking positions and they instantly gel, they will be right back up there next season. Attempts to write them off or suggest they'll never get over the line - I don't agree with that. They are short of the attacking quality that Liverpool have had this season, but if they get those couple of signings right, they'll be right up there."
Arsenal's tally of 66 Premier League goals is 17 fewer than Liverpool have managed this term, though they have conceded four fewer than the Reds (33).
Lewis Nolan
