Michael Owen raises eyebrows with Liverpool verdict after snubbing Arsenal

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Liverpool IconLiverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCMichael Owen bigged up Liverpool as he backed the Reds to get back to their best next season, and potentially reclaim the Premier League titleMichael Owen thinks that Liverpool's best level is higher than any other team in the Premier League(Image: BBC)Michael Owen believes that Liverpool is still the best team in the Premier League – despite his former club's meek title defense.The Reds cantered to the league last season but currently sit sixth in the standings, 19 points off league-leading Arsenal.Arne Slot 's men have collected 48 points from 29 games – which is 22 fewer than they had amassed at this stage last season – and they face a fight to secure qualification for next season's Champions League.Despite this, Owen still rates Liverpool as the league's best side when the team is in peak form."Personally I think they're the best team in the Premier League," Owen said on BBC's Wayne Rooney Show.READ MORE: Arne Slot uses Arsenal and Man City to perfectly sum up Liverpool 'expectations' vs TottenhamREAD MORE: Hugo Ekitike comments about Florian Wirtz are glimpse into future for Liverpool"People will laugh like, 'where are they, sixth in the league?' They trounced the league last season, they're just not playing well."But if you get the best performance out of every team in the Premier League and say, 'right, go on. Your best against your best'.

I think Liverpool are the best team."Liverpool's struggles have come as a surprise, considering how much money was spent to revamp the squad last summer.However, a drop-off was to be expected considering the trauma that Slot and his players had to deal with in the off-season, when Diogo Jota tragically passed away in a car accident as he journeyed back to England for the start of pre-season.After a difficult campaign, Owen expects Liverpool to put up a better showing on the field next term, and has even suggested the Reds could regain the title.Liverpool won the league last season but has endured a difficult campaign this time around(Image: Getty Images)"It's hard to believe that they're worse now [than last season]," Owen added. "But I just think it's a matter of time, maybe next season, before you see them at their very top again."Arsenal is seven points clear of Manchester City at the top of the league table, but the Gunners have played a game more than their main rival for the title.Owen is backing Mikel Arteta's men to get the job done, but does not think Arsenal is anywhere near as good as Liverpool's title-winning team of last season.He said: "Arsenal I think will go on to win the league.

But you can't tell me they're as good as, or even close to Liverpool last season. I think Liverpool have got it in them - they're just not doing it consistently.'Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCMichael OwenArsenal FC