Rio Ferdinand believes Liverpool will pip Arsenal and others to the Premier League title again | OneFootball

Liverpool have started their title defence on an impressive note, winning their opening three league games of 2025-26 and sending a statement of intent by beating Arsenal at Anfield before the international break.

The Gunners have finished each of the last three seasons in second place and will be desperate to go one better this term.

However, Rio Ferdinand does not see the Emirates Stadium club pipping Liverpool to the title this season, tipping the Reds to pip Arsenal and others to the top prize again.

“I think you always have to have respect for the champions, no matter who it is,” the Premier League legend told the Daily Mail.

“Champions normally go into the following season as the team to beat, that’s inevitable.

“If you look at the way they have recruited in the summer, they’ve had the best window by far. Their intentions were pure and clean and transparent from the get-go, and they managed to execute everything apart from Marc Guehi. If they had got Marc Guehi, I think they would have cleaned up everything, to be honest.

“I think the only team who will be anywhere near Liverpool this season is Arsenal. They’ve got a great squad, real good depth with who they’ve bought. I think they’ve had a good window and if (Viktor) Gyokeres comes good, it puts them in a better position.”

The Merseyside club signed Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak in the summer transfer window, and manager Arne Slot will be happy with the depth in his current squad.

Arsenal also strengthened in all positions, signing Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie.

Both clubs will fancy their chances of winning the title this term, and it promises to be an exciting Premier League campaign again from the look of things.