The Premier League is littered with big rivalries. It’s why we all love watching our teams compete.
Liverpool took part in the Merseyside Derby against Everton on Saturday afternoon and while the teams were a bit of a mismatch – David Moyes complained about the differing costs of each team – you could see two teams desperately trying to get one over the other for bragging rights.
🚨2025/26 LFC x adidas range🚨
Of course, when you look back at the historic records, you’ll know what Liverpool have won exactly the same number of derby matches at Goodison Park as Everton have (per TNT Sport) and in both the home and away contests combined since 2009, the Blues have just three wins (per LiveScore).
Nonetheless, it’s a rivalry. Furthermore, you’ll know what Manchester United and Liverpool have locked heads for a long time, as England’s two biggest clubs, both located in the North West. And during Jurgen Klopp’s time at Anfield, the Blue side of Manchester was a direct rival for the title.
However, following last season’s procession to securing the Premier League crown, it was difficult to work out exactly who Liverpool’s current rivals are, since Arsenal came second by 10 points. Well, one of Manchester City’s players has just boldly predicted who his title contenders are this year.
‘Biggest rival by far is Liverpool’
In an interview with Sky Sports prior to Arsenal hosting City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, midfielder Bernardo Silva added an extra layer of spice to the contest by claiming that the Gunners are a step below Liverpool in terms of importance when it comes to rivalries.
He said: “All rivalries are different. I would say that Manchester United has been going through quite a difficult phase for their club over the last years – it’s a rivalry because we’re in the same city.
“Our biggest rival by far is Liverpool, because those are the guys that always competed with us for titles, and they also managed to win titles. Then you definitely see a team like Arsenal over the years getting better and better, and being able to start fighting for those titles, even though they haven’t yet reached that level of achieving it.
“So, the rivalries are quite different, but until now, I would say that our rival, our big rivals, were always Liverpool.”
Quite the compliment from Portuguese international. Of course, the context here is that for the last eight years since the 2017-18 season, the Premier League has been won by either Liverpool or City, with the Blues taking six titles and the Reds two, with two seasons decided by just one point.
In real terms, Arsenal haven’t managed to get over the line, finishing second three times in a row.
So the claim isn’t necessarily as bold as you might think. But when you consider Manchester City finished behind Mikel Arteta’s side last season, it suggests that we might be in for a return to the norm this season, with a Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot title race taking place come the run-in.
Firstly, it’s nice to be considered title contenders by another side in the league. Of course, our £446m spend on transfers, coupled with our position as current holders makes it more of an assumption rather than a prediction, but its praise nonetheless.
But secondly, to discount Arsenal all-together is quite the statement to make, especially before a big match at the Emirates Stadium. A win for the hosts creates a six point gap, a win for the visitors puts them on level terms, but a draw keeps the three point lead as it is. With two losses in their opening four games, almost disrespecting the team you need a win against is bold to say the least.
Liverpool won’t care how the match goes, since it’s so early into the season – a three point gap is guaranteed after this weekend, and it will depend on Arsenal if that gap stays at five points instead, but no one should be written off quite yet. It is fascinating, however, to get such insight into a rival.
View publisher imprint
