Dominik Szoboszlai Sends 'Champions' Message to Arsenal Ahead of Liverpool Clash - 'They Know'

In a bold statement ahead of Liverpool's crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal on January 8, 2026, Dominik Szoboszlai reminded everyone of his team's pedigree as defending champions.[5][7] The Hungarian midfielder, speaking amid Liverpool's challenging title defense, insisted that Arsenal "are not champions yet," underscoring the pressure on Mikel Arteta's side despite their 14-point lead at the top of the table.[3][7]

Szoboszlai's comments come as Liverpool face a do-or-die match at the Emirates, where a loss could balloon the gap to 17 points and intensify speculation about manager Arne Slot's future.[3][6] Recent reports suggest the club is considering a coaching change, with Anfield Watch claiming Slot could be sacked as early as this weekend if results don't improve, regardless of the Arsenal outcome.[6] Liverpool recently dropped points in a dramatic 97th-minute draw against Fulham, heightening fears they've fallen out of the title race.[3]

Reflecting on Arsenal's strength, Szoboszlai praised their consistency—finishing second three years running behind powerhouses like Manchester City and Liverpool—but emphasized the need to keep fighting.[2] He highlighted Arsenal's quality team and coach, calling their sustained challenge a "compliment," yet positioned Liverpool as the benchmark: "They know" who the real champions are.[2][5]

The midfielder's confidence draws from his own heroics earlier in the season, when he scored a stunning 30-yard free-kick to secure a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Anfield—the Gunners' only league defeat alongside one other.[1][2][3] Deployed unusually at right-back due to injuries, Szoboszlai curled a "phenomenal" right-footed strike past David Raya in the 83rd minute, drawing comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic goal.[1] Post-match, he admitted it was a "risk" that paid off, crediting practice and teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold's influence.[2]

Despite Liverpool's summer signings and attacking flair, defensive woes and inconsistency have plagued Slot's side.[1][6] Szoboszlai's message serves as a rallying cry: underdogs or not, the champions refuse to concede the crown prematurely.[5][7] With Arsenal leading comfortably, this clash could define Liverpool's season.[3]

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