Liverpool’s Victories Annoy Arsenal and Arteta; Salah Becomes Invincible

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Liverpool were crowned Premier League winners when they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 on April 27th. 

But for the footballing world, the league race was over long ago. 

What started as a three-horse race between Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal slowly became a two-person contest, with City’s form declining. 

Midway through the first half of the season, while Liverpool was cruising, Arsenal was catching up. It must’ve been one of the most hyped first halves in a Premier League season. 

Suddenly, there was a heightened demand for Arsenal and Liverpool tickets. Platforms such as Seatsnet registered many requests for matches between these two teams. 

Fans wanted to get in on the action to see who would make it to the finish line. 

But come January-February, the answer was unanimous. Liverpool and Arne Slot were slowly drifting away from Arsenal’s point tally, and the Gunners were isolated once again. 

And Arsenal aren’t too pleased. 

Fans have consistently expressed their displeasure on social media with the league’s progress, but in reality, Arsenal only has themselves to blame. 

Arteta Not Happy 

Mikel Arteta continues to bring out concerns when assessing his side’s season, placing the blame on two issues for losing out on the Premier League title to Liverpool.

Before the penultimate round of games, Liverpool held a 15-point lead over Arsenal, having secured the title with four games to spare.

Arne Slot‘s side has been the most consistent force in the competition, stringing together a 26-game unbeaten run to build the foundations for the club’s 20th league title.

Over at the Emirates, Arteta has spent the season lamenting his side’s lack of luck regarding injuries and red cards, not for one second taking a moment to reflect on his role in it all.

And that did not change when the Arsenal boss sat down with Sky Sports to discuss why his side was lacking in another title race, saying: “Red cards and injuries, for sure.

“But without that, we don’t know what would have happened.

“Would we have been much closer? For me, the answer is, without a question, yes. Because of what we have been producing and our performances.”

The only lead Arsenal had over the Reds all season was after the fourth matchday, and it was by a single point, while their longest winning streak in the league was three.

While injuries certainly take their toll, few need to tell Liverpool that the defeatist attitude has sunk its claws into Arsenal from Arteta down, and it does not inspire triumphs.

As for their red cards, there is enough evidence to say there is a lack of discipline that Arteta evidently allows and has yet to take ownership of as it continues to be an excuse.

“We’re going to have to do something else [next season] because the bar will be raised,” he continued.

“And when you look at the number of points we’ve had in the last three seasons, the consistency of that and not winning a title, I think, is very rare.

“So we are very close, close in the probability so much, so we have to continue to be there and be better, and that’s the aim.”

Arsenal has lost 21 points from losing positions this season, Mikel, and that is not due to only red cards and injuries.

Salah – PL’s Player of the Season 

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah has been named Premier League player of the season.

It is the second time the 32-year-old Egyptian has won the award, which is decided after votes from the public are combined with those from a panel of football experts, having also claimed it in the 2017-18 campaign.

Salah, who led the Reds to the Premier League title this season, beat off the challenge from team-mates Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, who was named young player of the season.

Dutchman Gravenberch, 23, leads all Premier League midfielders this season for interceptions with 59 and ranks top among Liverpool players for the times he has won possession.

Arsenal’s Declan Rice, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood were also shortlisted for the main honour.

It is the first time since 2018-19 that a Manchester City player has not won the award.

Liam Delap (Ipswich), Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest), Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Joao Pedro (Brighton), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) and William Saliba (Arsenal) were also on the young player shortlist.

Going into Sunday’s final game of the season against Crystal Palace, Salah has 28 league goals – five more than anyone else – as well as 18 assists – six more than any other player and two off the record of 20 held by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne.

This season, he also became the highest-scoring overseas player in Premier League history, overtaking Sergio Aguero’s 184 goals, and signed a new two-year contract to stay at Anfield until 2027.

This month, Salah was named Football Writers’ Association footballer of the year for the third time after receiving more than 90% of the votes.

Salah – Ballon d’Or Candidate

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah believes this year is his “best chance” to win the Ballon d’Or after his incredible form has helped Arne Slot’s side clinch the Premier League title.

Salah has registered 28 goals and 18 assists in the top flight this season and is currently leading the race for the Golden Boot.

The 32-year-old, who signed a two-year contract extension at Anfield in April, is among the favourites to take home this year’s Ballon d’Or, with the winner set to be announced at a ceremony in Paris on Sept. 22.

“I would say I never had a season like this and winning big trophies, so I would say this is my best chance to get it right now while I’m in the club because it’s been a crazy year, a crazy season with a trophy,” Salah added. 

“It’s given me a good chance.”

If Salah is to win the prestigious prize — awarded for outstanding performance on the pitch throughout the previous season — he will have to fend off competition from Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé, both of whom have helped fire their teams to league titles this term.

Liverpool tickets for the pre-season tour will soon be available on Seatsnet to purchase. 

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