In an electric scene full of heart racing tension at the 2025 PFA Awards on August 19, Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah dropped a bombshell that shook the football world: instead of picking himself as the Player of the Year, and thus dedicating his award to his own side, he referred to Arsenal as the “favourites” to win the Premier League because of their continuity and stability by keeping their squad together for five years. The irony was, the league trophy was still at Anfield because of Salah’s brilliant 29-goal, 18-assist performance that led to Liverpool winning a few weeks earlier.
The Most Crucial Facts:
1. Salah’s Explosive Verdict
At the glittering awards ceremony, Salah gave his opinion to TikTok host Cecil Thomas: “I think you (Arsenal) have a brilliant team this season… you have a very good chance. You are, I think, favourites now because you [have] players that have been together for five and I can not say I wish you luck, so hopefully we do it again.”
2. Premier League Crown Still on Anfield
Salah’s praise comes in a season in which he collected every significant individual award: PFA Player of the Year (for a record third time), Premier League Player of the Season, Premier League Golden Boot, and the Premier League Playmaker of the Season, all while leading Liverpool to a dominant 10-point title victory over Arsenal.
3. Arsenal’s “Now-Or-Never” Moment
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has slowly built a squad that is blooming. After finishing second for three years, Arteta strengthened the squad in the summer with headline signings like Viktor Gyökeres (£64m), Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, and a few others. Their hope of putting an end to a 21-year title wait has never looked so promising.
4. Reactions on Stage, A Smile, a Statement
Just thereafter, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice referred to the near-misses. As he did so, Salah and his teammate Virgil van Dijk looked at each other and exchanged a wry, knowing smile, encapsulating a moment that spoke the words and silence of their plight all too well.
5. Liverpool’s Edge Still Sharp
Liverpool remains threatening. Despite all the hype around Arsenal, Liverpool remains a threatening adversary. Their opening game was a statement in so many ways: an enthralling 4-2 comeback victory over Bournemouth, where Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, and Federico Chiesa are proof that there is still passion at Anfield.
Of course, previous captain Jamie Carragher cautioned that although undoubtedly the offense remains dangerous there remain defense vulnerabilities to be concerned about following the surrender of a second-half fright to Bournemouth and other tests in mind.
Quotes That Bring the Story to Life:
- Mohamed Salah:
“I think you have a great team this season… you have a really good chance. I think you are favourites now… hopefully we do it again.” - Declan Rice:
“In life you’ve got to go through some small losses in order to win.” , and Salah’s reaction captured the room. - Jamie Carragher:
“It is unbelievable… Where is Konate going? He had a really, really poor night tonight at centre-back.”
Conclusion:
As Liverpool’s majestic reign as Premier League champions winds down, Salah’s audacious warning shifts the Premier League narrative into overdrive. He not only prophesized Arsenal’s rise, he legitimized it. Not only does this elevate the feeling of excitement, it invites an early whisper of destiny and puts a serious match on the fire for the continued battle. Whether that wink was a psychological ploy, or simply an act of sporting greatness, one thing is clear: the struggle for the English crown just became that little bit more exhilarating.
