Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole feels Liverpool and Arsenal will be challenging for top honours in the 2008-09 season.

The England international believes that the reigning Premiership champions Manchester United and the Blues have mastered the art of salvaging a win even when they play below-par, an art that the Reds and Gunners do not have as yet in their armoury.

The Blues won the back-to-back title before United snatched it from them in 2006-07 and successfully defended it in the last campaign.

On the other hand, Liverpool are aiming to end their 18-year wait for the English title, while the Gunners have gone four seasons without the Premiership silverware.

“Manchester United and Chelsea have learnt how to win games in different ways, but Liverpool and Arsenal are different,” he said.

“They are both great sides on their day, but maybe they don't win enough games when they don't play well. Both are improving, though, and they'll push us all the way this season.”