Mohamed Salah began the title race mind games at the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) awards in Manchester on Tuesday evening.
The night was yet another record-breaking one for the 33-year-old, who scooped up the Player of the Year award for an extraordinary third time.
The Egyptian legend scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists as he fired Liverpool to their second Premier League title last year, ending the four-year dominance of Manchester City.
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Since lifting the title, the Reds have embarked on a busy yet largely efficient transfer window.
Mohamed Salah won a record third PFA Player of the Year
|GETTY
The club have spent close to £300million, seeing the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong coming through the doors at Anfield for mega fees.
But they have been busy with departures, too, commanding large fees for Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Jarrell Quansah and Ben Doak. Caoimhin Kelleher and Trent Alexander-Arnold also departed the club.
Their summer may not be over yet either, with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak pushing for a move to Arne Slot’s side, although they are yet to re-enter negotiations with the Tyneside club.
Liverpool are looking to complete a deal for Alexander Isak before the transfer window shuts
| REUTERSDespite the excitement surrounding Anfield, talisman Salah believes it is Arsenal who are the favourites for the title in a shocking admission after the awards ceremony.
Speaking to presenter Cecil Thomas, who is an Arsenal fan, Salah admitted: “I think you have a great team this season as you did last season. So, you have really good chance.
“I think you are the favourite now because you players who have been together for five years.
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“I can’t say I’ll wish you luck – hopefully we do it again.”
Both clubs started the season in winning fashion and, while Liverpool have spent frivolously and with authority, Arsenal have not been quiet.
Mikel Arteta’s side have spent just shy of £200m on squad enhancements, with Martin Zubimendi (£60m), Noni Madueke (£55m), and Christian Norgaard (£10m) joining the north London club.
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Arsenal have finished second for three consecutive seasons under Mikel Arteta
|REUTERS
But one pivotal area has also been improved: the striker.
The main criticism directed at the Gunners’ squad last year was their lack of a No 9, evidenced by the injuries of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the second half of the season that left Arteta scrambling and playing midfielder Mikel Merino as a sole forward up top.
His side have now splashed out on one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers: Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, costing an initial £55m.
While the Swedish striker had an underwhelming debut at Old Trafford on the weekend, Gyokeres undoubtedly fills the hole up top and could be Arsenal’s answer when it comes to ending their title hopes.
The Gunners last won the league back in 2004 during Arsene Wenger's time in charge.