Michael Owen's Blinders: Liverpool Still the Prem's Best Team? Pull the Other One!

Ever had that mate down the pub who swears his team is still kings of the league despite them scraping mid-table? Step forward Michael Owen, who's just dropped a belter about his boyhood club Liverpool. With the Reds languishing in sixth in the Premier League, 19 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, and nursing a fresh 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League last-16 first leg, you'd think realism might kick in. Nah, not for Owen.

Arne Slot's Reds: From Title Heroes to Scraping for Top Four

Let's set the scene. Arne Slot's Liverpool romped to the Eredivisie title last season like it was a stroll in the park. Fast forward to now, and they're in a dogfight with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa just to snag a Champions League spot. That limp showing against Galatasaray – uninspiring doesn't even cover it – had fans tearing their hair out.

Yet Owen, on BBC duty, pipes up: he reckons Liverpool are still "the best team in the Premier League". Laughable? You bet. He bangs on about how they "trounced the league last season", they're just off-form, and if everyone hits peak, the Reds top the pile. Anfield's a fortress when they're firing, sure, but this season? Their best hasn't sniffed the levels of the teams above them.

Owen's caveats are comedy gold. "If you get the best out of everyone" – what, like last season's Mohamed Salah, injury-free Joe Gomez, or prime Andy Robertson? Dream on. Adding top talent hasn't masked the drop-off. It's like insisting your dodgy knee will win you the marathon because you once ran a 10K.

Pundit Bias: Owen vs the Keown Masterclass

This isn't Owen's first rodeo in the bias Olympics, but it rivals Martin Keown's recent Arsenal cheerleading. Keown, ever the Gunners guardian, lost the plot defending Mikel Arteta's lot. Remember Noni Madueke's dive against Arsenal? Keown swore blind it was a stonewall pen, no nuance needed. Football365 called him out, and rightly so – the former Invincible's turned mouthpiece.

We gave Alan Pardew stick for asterisking an Arsenal title, and Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton sour grapes got short shrift from Keown. Fair dos. But Owen? He's gone full Jamie Carragher starry-eyes (remember that Florian Wirtz U-turn?). Liverpool fans might shrug off a Man United ex like Owen, but it highlights the punditry circus.

The beauty? It proves bias cuts both ways. Football365 aren't just Arsenal rage-baiters – Owen's served up perfect balance on a plate. While Reds supporters couldn't care less about his take, it exposes how ex-pros wear club goggles thicker than Anfield fog.

Time for Realism, or Title Charge Incoming?

Owen clings to hope: dominance doesn't vanish overnight, especially with quality additions. Frustrating, yeah, but "only a matter of time" before they're top dogs again? Pull the other one. Liverpool's issues run deeper – form, cohesion, you name it. Their Champions League woes won't fix with wishful thinking.

Pundits like Owen keep the game spicy, but blind loyalty? It grates. Next time you're at the match, spot the one-eyed fanboy in the commentary box. It's all part of the madness we love. Still, if Liverpool do mount a comeback, Owen might just have the last laugh. Don't hold your breath, though.

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