Liverpool’s title bid faces early tests as Slot names Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham as the main threats
Arne Slot says it’s far too early to crown a title favorite, but he identifies Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham as the “usual suspects” who could push Liverpool hard this season. Arsenal have started with two wins from two, Chelsea impressed on Friday Night Football, and Tottenham look capable of a surprise under new boss Thomas Frank after back-to-back successes.
On the pitch, Liverpool began their campaign with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, a match that tested them but ended with late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah sealing the points. New signing Hugo Ekitike also made an impact early on, signaling another layer to the Reds’ 300 million pound summer overhaul.
Slot acknowledged the squad isn’t yet the finished product, but he stressed he’s “very happy” with the group and its depth. He praised the ability to influence games from the bench, a familiar strength from last season, and hinted that Liverpool will remain active in the market up to the closing days of the transfer window. “If it’s 10 days to go, I don’t know how long the market is open, we will always look,” he said.
The transfer chatter has not stopped Liverpool from turning attention to their next hurdle: a meeting with Newcastle United and their unsettled star Alexander Isak. Slot refrained from discussing potential targets publicly, steering the conversation back to Hugo Ekitike, who has begun his Liverpool career on a positive note.
Isak’s situation has dominated headlines in the build-up to Monday’s fixture, with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe describing the situation as “lose-lose” for his side. If Isak isn’t available, Howe will consider other options, but Slot cautioned against reading too much into one name, noting the depth and quality still at Howe’s disposal, including the likes of Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes with Jacob Murphy on the bench.
Liverpool’s season will be measured not only by their ability to win games but by how quickly the new signings gel and how effectively they close the gap to the league’s toughest challengers. Slot’s optimism about the squad and the seamless integration of fresh talent will be put to the test as the fixture list piles up and the competition intensifies.
Newcastle, meanwhile, arrive with a strong history against Liverpool and will be eager to end their 17-game winless run versus the champions in the Premier League’s head-to-head at St James’ Park.
The fixture spotlight shines on Monday night’s clash, live on Sky Sports, as both sides look to establish momentum early in the season and set the tone for what promises to be a competitive title race.
What to watch going forward
– How quickly Liverpool’s new players settle in and how Slot rotates a deeper squad.
– Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham’s early-season form to see if they can sustain pressure on the leaders.
– Newcastle’s response to Isak’s situation and how Howe reshapes his attack without him.
– Liverpool’s performance in tough away games as they defend their status as champions while integrating a hefty transfer window haul.
Summary
Arne Slot underscored that it’s too soon to declare a title favorite, but Liverpool’s rivals — Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham — are already casting a shadow. Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth showed their depth with new signings like Hugo Ekitike making an impact, while Isak’s ongoing saga at Newcastle adds an extra layer of intrigue ahead of their fixture. The season’s early weeks will reveal how quickly Liverpool’s rebuilt squad can harmonize and how much the “usual suspects” can sustain their momentum.
Positive note
There’s a clear sense of momentum around Liverpool’s squad depth and the fresh confidence new signings bring. If Slot’s players adapt quickly, the Reds can maintain a strong title challenge while continuing to grow under a manager eager to maximize every option at his disposal.