Liverpool star midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai laid out the gauntlet to Arsenal ahead of their game at the home of the Premier League leaders on Thursday, January 8. The Reds are fourth in the standings.
Arne Slot's side overcame a period of six defeats in just seven games with an eight game unbeaten run, winning four, but have drawn the last two. Meanwhile, the Gunners are six points clear at the top following 20 games and 14 points ahead of the Reds.
Ahead of the game at the Emirates, Szoboszlai - who has 10 goals contributions in 26 games across all competitions this season - reminded Arsenal of Liverpool's pedigree despite their strong position in the points table.
"The Premier League is not easy," he said (as per Sky Sports). "You don't win it by January, so I don't think we are playing against the champions. They're playing against the champions.
"And that's probably they know as well, we know as well. Of course they are one of the favourites for this year, unbelievable team, really good players. But we shouldn't also forget about Man City, about Villa, who is doing very good. No, we don't play against the champions, they play against the champions."
Szoboszlai has scored two goals in the league this season, with his latest goal coming in the 3-3 draw at promoted Leeds United in December.
Arsenal's poor record against Liverpool
Arsenal have an unimpressive recent record against Liverpool, not keeping a clean sheet in 20 Premier League games since a goalless stalemate in August 2015. Their latest league game earlier this season saw the Reds clinch a 1-0 win at home.
The Gunners' 26 defeats against Arne Slot's team - level with Manchester United - are the most they have picked up against any side in the Premier League as they aim to avoid an eighth league double.
However, since that aforementioned defeat at Anfield, Mikel Arteta's team have hit a purple patch in the Premier League, securing 13 wins in 17 games, consisting of the last six, losing one (2-1 at Aston Villa in December) as they aim for a first league title since 2004.