Dominik Szoboszlai’s pre-match interview ahead of Arsenal vs Liverpool has gone viral — and it’s set tongues wagging.
Dominik Szoboszlai has sparked debate after delivering a bold assessment of Arsenal’s title status ahead of Liverpool’s heavyweight showdown with the league leaders. The two sides clash at the Emirates on Thursday night (January 8), with a sizeable 14-point gap separating them in the Premier League table.
Liverpool have endured a dramatic downturn since lifting the title in May 2025. Arne Slot’s side currently sit fourth after an inconsistent campaign, winning 10 and losing six of their 20 matches so far. Their stuttering form stands in sharp contrast to Arsenal’s dominance under Mikel Arteta, with the Gunners winning 15 of their 20 games and losing just twice — one of those defeats coming against Liverpool.
Szoboszlai was the hero in the reverse fixture, curling in a stunning free-kick that secured victory and initially cast doubt over Arsenal’s title credentials. However, Arteta’s men responded emphatically, embarking on a ten-game winning streak that has put them firmly in control of the title race.
Liverpool’s fortunes nosedived soon after that win, with the defending champions losing six of their next seven matches — a run that has left many questioning whether they remain genuine contenders. Szoboszlai, though, has rejected that narrative.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Hungarian midfielder delivered a defiant response when asked if Liverpool were facing the league’s next champions.
“Oh my God, it’s a long way to go,” he said. “The Premier League is not easy — you don’t win it by January. So I don’t think we’re playing against the champions. They are playing against the champions.”
The 25-year-old also stressed that Arsenal are not the only team in the hunt.
“Of course they are one of the favourites — unbelievable team, really good players,” he added. “But we shouldn’t forget about City or Villa, who are doing very well. No, we don’t play against the champions — they play against the champions.”
Arsenal currently hold a six-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City, while Liverpool find themselves in a position similar to last season’s Gunners, when the Reds led by six points at this stage before cruising to the title by 10.
Szoboszlai’s comments have only heightened the tension ahead of what could be a defining fixture. An Arsenal victory would see them complete a statement win over the reigning champions, coming on the back of their emphatic 4–1 triumph over Aston Villa in December.
Liverpool supporters have rallied behind Szoboszlai’s mentality, with some even suggesting he should be handed the captain’s armband. One fan wrote on X:
“Szoboszlai has to be our next captain — elite mentality.”
Another added:
“He represents everything this club stands for in terms of hunger and winning mentality.”
Others simply praised his composure, with one post reading:
“Perfectly said, Dom.”
However, not all reactions were positive. Some Arsenal fans took offence, hoping their team makes the midfielder regret his words at the Emirates. One supporter wrote:
“He’s right, but I don’t like how he’s saying it — we need to put at least three past these bums.”
Another warned:
“This will come back to bite you. Hope you can handle holding four at the Emirates.”
Others aimed their frustration at the media, accusing Sky Sports of pushing a premature title narrative.
One fan commented:
“Sky Sports acting like Arsenal fans think the league is already won. Absolute nonsense — 99% of us know it’s far from over.”
Another added:
“Szoboszlai is right to laugh. The media love forcing narratives.”
Last season’s meeting between the sides in North London ended in a thrilling 2–2 draw, and with both teams desperate for a statement win, goals are expected once again. Should Slot’s side emerge victorious, the title race could be blown wide open.