Liverpool was able to beat Arsenal in Emirates Stadium without Salah, while Chelsea is currently struggling, they can't even beat Middlesbrough aka a championship team.
Manchester City might able to overtake Liverpool, but they're also have a problem as Ederson Moraes is injured.
I'd say both Liverpool and Manchester City are equal.
When Salah is not around Liverpool will have a hard time? I think that's wrong, I agree with your statement that Liverpool can beat Arsenal in the next few weeks these are equal teams, but we have a favorite team so we support Liverpool of course.
Chelsea is still not confirmed optimal despite 3 wins in the EPL, beating Middlesbrough is also difficult so other EPL teams will be difficult to beat.
I think that Liverpool and Man City are among the candidates for the title this season, I rule out Arsenal.