Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has cast doubt on Liverpool’s chances of retaining the Premier League.
After a dominant Premier League campaign saw Liverpool crowned champions with 84 points under Arne Slot, Heskey has predicted a ‘difficult’ second season for the Dutchman and his side.
Despite backing the Reds to remain strong contenders, the former England international believes up to two clubs are poised to challenge Arne Slot’s men for the crown in what promises to be one of the most competitive title races in years.
Liverpool secured the Premier League title in emphatic fashion, sealing top spot with a resounding 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in May. The triumph marked their 20th top flight title, equalling Manchester United in the all-time list. Slot’s men lost just four times all season and brushed aside early threats from Arsenal to claim their first league title since 2020.
However, speaking in a recent interview, whilst Heskey acknowledged Liverpool’s brilliance, he stressed that retaining the title would be far from straightforward.
“It will be difficult for Liverpool to retain the title next season, but they have a great squad and manager, so they are definitely capable.”
The 47-year-old highlighted Arsenal’s steady progression under Mikel Arteta, suggesting it’s more when, not if, the Gunners go one step further and win the league.
“With Arsenal, I feel like it’s only a matter of time before they take that next step and win the league. “
Arsenal finished the 2024–25 season in second place with 74 points, ten points behind Liverpool. The North London club showed signs of genuine progress, pushing the Reds into the final weeks of the season before falling short in the run-in significantly due to increase of injuries.
Heskey went on to name Manchester City as Liverpool’s other main challengers, pointing to the managerial expertise of Pep Guardiola to make them stronger after a disappointing season last year.
“I think Man City will come back stronger next season, and I think it is just the Pep Guardiola factor that makes me believe that.”
The Citizen’s endured a turbulent campaign by their usual standards last season, finishing third on 71 points, with various injury problems, ageing players and the failure of recruitment hindering their results.
Despite a summer spending spree of over £250 million, including the recent addition £79 million of Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool will still need to be at their best to defend their crown.
Heskey’s prediction paints a picture of a wide-open title race ahead of the upcoming season, and one that may go right to the wire.
