"Are they a bit more patient than they're built up? Yes" - Graeme Souness picks better team out of Arsenal and Liverpool right now
Liverpool icon Graeme Souness has claimed that Arsenal are a better team in comparison to his former club. The Merseyside giants have enjoyed a phenomenal start to life under their new manager Arne Slot and will take on Mikel Arteta's side on Sunday (October 27).
Ahead of the huge clash on Sunday, Graeme Souness insists that he still believes that Arsenal and Manchester City are ahead of Liverpool in terms of quality. The Scot claimed that the Reds are in a great run of form but have a long way to go to become title challengers once again.
Speaking on the Up Front Podcast, the former Liverpool midfielder said:
“I think that in the beginning, I couldn’t see any difference to the way they were playing, but I think, and I’ve not seen them live, so I wouldn’t say 100% I’m correct on this, but they certainly drop off a bit more. Are they a bit more patient than they’re built up? Yes."
Souness added:
“Have they convinced me yet? No, because I’m looking at Arsenal and I’m looking at City and I think right now they’re still a wee bit ahead of them. But you know, he’s made the most fantastic start."
Souness concluded:
“I think his management style would be enjoyed by the players but they’ve been winning games. His problems will start when they start to lose a few games, then we’ll see if the players are still thinking the same about them. Managers are two different people.”
Arne Slot has won 11 of his first 12 games in charge since taking charge at Liverpool in the summer. The Reds have been impressive across competitions barring a shock defeat against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
The Reds are at the top of the Premier League table and second in the Champions League table behind Aston Villa on goal difference. Manchester City and Arsenal are second and third trailing the Merseyside giants by one and four points, respectively.
Arsenal and Liverpool monitoring Premier League midfielder: Reports
Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. As reported by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football (via The Hard Tackle), the Gunners and the Reds are regularly keeping tabs on the Cameroon international's progress.
Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the midfield dynamo's signature as per the aforementioned report. Baleba has caught the eye since his move to Europe in 2022 from Cameroonian side EF Brasseries du Cameroun.
The midfielder moved to Ligue 1 side Lille in 2022 and a solid debut season saw him earn a reported £23 million move to Brighton. The 20-year-old has impressed at the Amex Stadium since, catching the eye of bigger clubs from across Europe.
Baleba has so far made 46 appearances for the Seagulls, contributing two goals and as many assists. Arsenal and Liverpool are both long-term admirers of the youngster and reportedly wanted him to sign him even before his move to Brighton.