Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has warned the Reds about Arsenal ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 Premier League season.
Alonso, who was long tipped to be Jurgen Klopp’s replacement, won a historic domestic double with Bayer Leverkusen last season, losing just once across the entire campaign.
However, the German champions were on the wrong end of a hammering in pre-season on Wednesday when they travelled to the Emirates to face Arsenal, losing 4-1 following an electric performance from the hosts.
Alonso admitted that his side were far from their best in north London but also praised a well-oiled Arsenal team. He warned that the Gunners aren’t going anywhere soon and will be competing for the Premier League title again this term.
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XABI ALONSO NAMES ARSENAL & LIVERPOOL AS TITLE CONTENDERS
Speaking after the defeat, Alonso suggested that Arsenal will be a major threat this season but claimed that Liverpool will also be competing at the highest level.
“First, talking about the game it wasn’t a good performance from our side but I could be happy that it happened today,” said the Spaniard.
“For sure it’s going to be wake-up call. This is a new season and we are starting from zero. The standards were way below our normal level. If we don’t raise our standards in games of this level it’s going to be impossible.”
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Arsenal FC PHILADELPHIA – Wednesday, July 31, 2024: Liverpool s head coach Arne Slot R and Arsenal s manager Mikel Arteta during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at the Lincoln Financial Field on day eight of the club s pre-season tour of the USA. Liverpool won 2-1. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda PHILADELPHIA Lincoln Financial Field PENNSYLVANIA USA PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xPropagandaxPhotoxAgencyx 2024-07-31-078-Liverpool_Arsenal
He added: “Arsenal for sure it’s not just last year, they have been creating a project, Mikel [Arteta] is leading a great team at a great club, they are going to be challenging with the big ones for sure. [Manchester] City will be there, Liverpool are coming with other ones as well.”
While Liverpool fans will be cautious with their expectations during Arne Slot’s first campaign at the helm, a title charge is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility.
However, Alonso’s assessment of Arsenal is accurate, with the Reds now needing to conquer two world-class teams to be crowned champions.
