Liverpool FC Forum

[Starbridge42]

Tuesday, April 6, 2004
Arsenal make us look bad - Owen
Michael Owen insists that Liverpool have not 'got worse as a team' over the recent years, just that Arsenal have improved out of all recognition.

Owen: Reds not getting worse. (Photo/Empics)And the England hitman admits that Liverpool's ambition is now to reach a level as good as Arsenal have become.


Liverpool arrive at Highbury on Good Friday a massive 25 points behind the Premiership leaders, with both sides desperately needing the points for totally different reasons.

The Gunners will be intent on extending their 30-match unbeaten league run and re-establish their firm grip on the top spot, while Liverpool need every point they can get to claim fourth place and a return to Champions League action after this season's absence.

The comparisons between a Liverpool side that last dominated Europe two decades ago and the current exceptional Arsenal side will be too easily made when the pair clash in Friday's midday battle.

But Owen, who has fought back from injury to take his goals tally to 16 for the season, believes that it is Arsenal who should be praised and admired for their progress rather than Liverpool criticised for their current position.

Owen said: 'Looking at the Premier League over the last few years, I would definitely say we have not got worse as a team.

'But I think the likes of Arsenal have just improved no end, no-one can tell me that the Arsenal team we are watching now is playing the same as the previous five years.

'Sure it has been built up but the football they are playing now is better than they have ever played, and they are stretching away from everyone. Even Manchester United.'

Arsenal may have come off worse in their two recent clashes had with United, losing in the FA Cup semi-final and drawing in the league, but Owen believes the Gunners are now the benchmark for the rest of English football.

He added in an interview for Liverpool's club magazine, LFC: 'United were really dominant.

'They did not have any challengers a few years ago but while I wouldn't say they have gone backwards either, they haven't progressed as quickly as Arsenal.

'As much as everyone is getting better and better, Arsenal have just gone faster than anyone else.'

Liverpool know they have got a major task on their hands to emerge from their Highbury examination with anything to add to their current points tally as they battle it out with Newcastle, Birmingham and Aston Villa for that coveted fourth spot.

But Owen admits to being in awe of the Arsenal quality.

He said: 'I think everyone thinks that theirs is a fabulous football to watch.

'They have got unbelievable players. Right down the spine they are so powerful with Sol Campbell, Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, you are just talking the best in the world.

'When you have got three players like that right down the middle, you can have players elsewhere coming in and out of the team. But Arsenal have got quality everywhere.

'We certainly envy them because they have set the target for us and everyone else to reach. It's our aim to become as good as them.'

Friday's game is the beginning of a demanding schedule for Liverpool, having just taken 10 points from 12 against four sides in the relegation dogfight.

After their Highbury clash, Liverpool face Charlton, Fulham, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Birmingham and Newcastle - all sides currently in the top half of the table.

But Liverpool will have been heartened to hear that main rivals Newcastle have had their task made harder by being told they must play this weekend's postponed game at Southampton just four days before they face Liverpool at Anfield on the final day of the season.

• Your views on this story? Email newsdesk@soccernet.com

[Leonmc0708]

I do understand where Michael is coming from, and that would certainly allow for the gap between ourselves and the Gooners.

However what about the obvios gulf in calss with the SCUM?

The Chelsea difference is obviously the Abramorvich factor.

It still does not make it acceptable.

Or any easier to swallow.

[JBG]

Arsenal have gone up a gear, true, but Liverpool have gone down a few as well.

How else do you explain losing to Portsmouth and Southampton twice this season?

[woof woof !]

Must admit I watched the arsenal/chelsea game and found myself wondering how we would have got on against either of them on the night. There was some blinding one touch football played. I think our defence would have struggled 

[The_Rock]

Must admit I watched the arsenal/chelsea game and found myself wondering how we would have got on against either of them on the night. There was some blinding one touch football played. I think our defence would have struggled 

Biscan would have been sent off. He would not have been able to keep up with Henry or Hasselbank