Premier League Bragging Rights: Will Arsenal finish above Liverpool or can Benitez engineer a strong league performance?

Premier League / Mike Norman / 29 July 2008 / Leave a Comment

With Man Utd and Chelsea likely to dominate the title race again this season, perennial Premier League bridesmaids Arsenal and Liverpool could find themselves in a scrap for third place. Sounds like a match bet is on the cards for Mike Norman.

Arsenal [1.81] v Liverpool [2.06]

Last Five Seasons

Gunners fans will point to a transition period as a reason why Arsenal haven't contended at the death in recent seasons, though last year's third place finish was very encouraging. After winning the title in 2004 they lost out only to Chelsea the following year, but with the loss of some high profile players came a few seasons of mediocrity by Arsenal's very high standards, in which they finished fourth in both 2006/7 and 2007/08.

They say a year is a long time in football - well if that's the case it must seem a lifetime to Liverpool fans since the club last won a league title. The Reds haven't seriously challenged the top two positions in recent seasons, with a couple of third place finishes (06/07 & 05/06) being the best they've managed. With two fourth place finishes and an embarrassing fifth place finish (behind arch rivals Everton) in the last five years it's easy to see why the red side of Merseyside appears a little restless.

The Managers

It's a testament to Arsene Wenger's ability that there are no rumours of discontent despite Arsenal not winning a major trophy since lifting the FA Cup in 2005. Many fans recognise what Wenger is doing post Henry, Pires, Bergkamp and co, and with the emergence of the talent at his disposal now the Frenchman will fully expect his squad to challenge for the Premiership. Wenger has the knowledge, experience and skills to lead Arsenal to more glory and few managers will outwit him if his side are challenging come May.

Despite huge success with Valencia, Rafa Benitez had to build his reputation as a manager in this country since his arrival in 2004. He did that in no uncertain terms, winning the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup in 2005, the FA Cup in 2006 and again guided Liverpool to the Champions League final in 2007. His success in Europe, however, has only added weight to the argument that he prefers, and perhaps is more suited, to that style of football and that winning the Premiership title is not his priority.

Squad, Transfers & Key Players

Arsenal's squad appears weaker, with the summer departures not quite balanced by the new arrivals. Losing key players like Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini, as well as experienced squad members Jens Lehmann and Gilberto Silva must surely take their toll both on and off the pitch. Promising French midfielder Samir Nasri has arrived but it will take a big effort for him to have an immediate impact in the first team, while youngster Aaron Ramsey has been bought for the future rather than now.

At just 21 it's amazing to think Cesc Fabregas as an 'old hand' but that's exactly what he has become in a squad that is littered with youth. Emmanuel Adebayor will have to continue in the same form as last season if Arsenal are to do well, but the key players could well be Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott. If Van Persie stays free of injury, and Walcott gets an extended run in the first team, then expect big things from this talented duo.

For Liverpool the signing of Robbie Keane is arguably the biggest transfer of the summer to date. Keane is a sublime player who I hold in the very highest regard - he could well be a perfect partner for key player Fernando Torres. Also joining Liverpool are defenders Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena, whilst Peter Crouch, John Arne Riise and Scott Carson are amongst the notable departures.

Verdict

Liverpool have a hugely talented squad, arguably strong enough to challenge for the title, but the manager's constant use of the rotation system for league games is a big worry for anyone wanting to back them at [8.4]. A top three finish is on the cards however, and that will almost certainly see them finish above Arsenal, so ignore the odds of [1.76] in that market and instead back them at [2.06] just to finish ahead of the Gunners.

I was keen on Arsenal's chances of winning the title last season; this season I simply can't be because in Hleb and Flamini they've lost two very good players. Nasri is Wenger's only significant signing. It will be interesting to see if he goes in for Gareth Barry now that Liverpool appear to have spent their cash on Robbie Keane. Either way, odds of [6.2] on Arsenal winning the Premiership are far too short, as too is the [1.87] about them finishing in the top three. It's Liverpool all the way for me in the 'Season Match Bet'.