"One day it collapses" - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta fires warning to high-flying Liverpool

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a warning to Liverpool after their electric start to the 2024-25 season, warning them of an impending fall. The Reds currently lead the Premier League standings after losing just once in the competition this season and also sit atop the UEFA Champions League table.

Only two teams have managed to push Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in recent league seasons, Arsenal and Liverpool. Arteta's side narrowly lost the league title to the Cityzens in each of the last two seasons, with last season's difference just two points.

Mikel Arteta spoke about the performances of Liverpool this season, likening their team to the ones he led to finish second in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. He pointed out that it will be very difficult for the Reds to maintain their excellent form throughout the season.

The Spaniard said (via @TransferSector):

“We’ve been there and to sustain it for 10 months is extremely difficult, everything has to go your way, and sadly when you think you have it, one day it collapses… it can happen at any moment and we have to be ready for that.”

Having replaced Jurgen Klopp with Arne Slot in the summer, Liverpool have hit the ground running, performing like a well-oiled machine.

They have an eight-point lead atop the Premier League standings after 12 rounds of games this season and look like favorites for the title. Arsenal are fourth on 22 points, nine points behind the Reds at this stage of the campaign.

With Mohamed Salah and Co. firing from all cylinders, the Reds have picked up 31 points from their opening 12 league games. With a perfect record in the UEFA Champions League, as well, they look like they can win their first league title in four years and their first Champions League in five.

Arsenal, Liverpool keen on Ligue 1 star - Reports

Arsenal and Liverpool have set their sights on Olympique Lyonnais youngster Malick Fofana ahead of a possible January move. The teenage sensation is one of the shining lights in Les Gones' season, earning his first call-up to the Belgium national team in October.

Caught Offside reports that the 19-year-old former Gent winger is a player of interest to both Arsenal and the Reds. The financial condition of Olympique Lyonnais, which has seen them provisionally relegated from the Ligue 1, will likely see them agree to sell the youngster.

Malick Fofana has contributed six goals and two assists in 17 appearances for Olympique Lyonnais this season, earning plaudits. The winger is two-footed and capable of featuring on either flank and will be a good addition to both sides.