Full Breakdown
Michael Owen Claims Liverpool Remains the Best Team in the Premier League
3/14/2026, 11:11:07 PM
Owen's Assessment of Liverpool and Arsenal
Michael Owen, the former Liverpool striker, has publicly stated that he believes Liverpool is still the best team in the Premier League, despite their current sixth-place standing and a significant 19 points behind league leaders Arsenal. Speaking on BBC's "The Wayne Rooney Show," Owen emphasized that when Liverpool is at their best, they outperform all other teams in the league. He remarked, "People will laugh like, 'where are they, sixth in the league?' They trounced the league last season, they're just not playing well."
Owen's comments come amid a challenging season for Liverpool, who are struggling to replicate their previous year's success, where they clinched the Premier League title with a record 86 goals. This season, they have faced difficulties, including a recent loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League, and have already lost nine matches in the league.
Arsenal's Performance Under Scrutiny
While Owen acknowledges Arsenal's current dominance in the league, he argues that they do not match the quality of Liverpool's title-winning team from the previous season. He stated, "Arsenal I think will go on to win the league. But you can't tell me they're as good as, or even close to Liverpool last season." This sentiment reflects a broader debate about Arsenal's style of play, which has faced criticism for its reliance on set-pieces, with Owen noting that their approach has not been well-received by some pundits.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, has defended his team's tactics, suggesting that the current Premier League environment necessitates a more pragmatic approach. He expressed a desire for his team to play "beautiful football," but acknowledged that this is increasingly difficult in the current competitive landscape.
Criticism of Owen's Views
Owen's assertion has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics labeling his perspective as biased due to his history with Liverpool. Critics argue that his view overlooks the realities of the current season, where Liverpool's performance has not matched the expectations set by their previous success. The debate has intensified among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning the validity of comparing teams based on past performances rather than current form.
Conclusion: Future Prospects
Despite Liverpool's struggles this season, Owen remains optimistic about their potential resurgence. He believes that with the right performances, Liverpool can return to their previous form, stating, "It's hard to believe that they're worse now... I think it's only a matter of time before you see them at their very top again." As the season progresses, both Liverpool and Arsenal will continue to vie for their respective goals, with Arsenal aiming to secure the title and Liverpool fighting for a Champions League spot.
