Arsenal will be confident going into another clash against the Premier League champions, Liverpool after winning their last two encounters.
The Gunners under Mikel Arteta had the last laugh against Jurgen Klopp’s men in their last Premier League and Community Shield clashes.
Both teams are on hundred percent record in the Premier League. Credit must be given to Arteta, who has improved Arsenal, turning them to a more compact side. The record of the North London team has improved immensely since the arrival of the Spaniard.
On the other hand, Klopp’s side are looking stronger, with their latest additions in the summer transfer window, especially the signing of Thiago Alcantara.
In the match that will kick off on Monday night from 7.45 pm UK time; Liverpool will be welcoming Arsenal to the Anfield for the second year in a row in their first league meeting.
The encounter in August last year ended in a 3-1 win for the Reds but the final scoreline could easily have been worse for Arsenal. Liverpool recorded 25 shots over the course of the 90 minutes as the two clubs appeared to be on different trajectories.
But there was a turnaround in the next meeting with Mikel Arteta at the helm in place of Unai Emery. Arteta first picked up a 2-1 win at the Emirate before beating the Reds to the Community Shield last month.
Arteta creating records against top six
Arsenal finished last season’s Premier League in the 8th spot but there is certainly an encouragement to be found in their record against the rest of the Premier League’s big six since Arteta’s appointment.
Having beaten Liverpool twice, Arsenal has secured two victories over Chelsea and one over Manchester City. This increased their win percentage in those games from just 18 percent under Emery to an impressive 56 percent under Arteta.
With such an improvement, they scooped the FA Cup and the Community Shield. They now hope the success will translate to the Premier League.
Although it will not be easy against an in-form side, Arsenal can still pick up holes in the Liverpool team and punish them. The Gunners converted the two good chances that came their way during their meeting at the Emirates and they got the needed points.
So, all that matters is to continue on the same trajectory and reduce Liverpool’s creative supply. Arsenal can do this having proven to be better when possession is typically tilted in the opposition’s favour, than against the smaller ones.
Arsenal recorded just 38 percent possession in the five games they have won against big-six sides under Arteta while they also averaged 57 percent across the last five games they have lost.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has scored five times in Arsenal’s last three meetings with top-six rivals will be required to do more of the same.
Although, they are favourite to win the tie, but Liverpool have to be wary of Arsenal’s attacking threat. With the trident of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, Liverpool can punish any team.
The trio now has added support from new signings Diogo Jota and Thiago Alcantara.
Liverpool transfer news
Klopp will not panic-buy despite an injury crisis in his team. Goalkeeper, Alisson and new signing Thiago are doubt for tonight’s clash against Arsenal, while Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip are also injured.
Meanwhile, Loris Karius is set to exit the club on loan after failing to attract any permanent buyers.
Karius, who spent much of the last two seasons with Besiktas returned to Liverpool in May but is not considered to have a future at the club. He might be loaned to Bundesliga club, Union Berlin before the transfer window closes on October 5.
In another development, Klopp is reportedly planning to cash in on Rhian Brewster, with his next destination likely to be Crystal Palace.
Sheffield United and Aston Villa are also vying for his signature.
The English player had hoped to break into the first-team this season after impressing on loan with Championship outfit Swansea City last term but the Reds are keen to bring some funds in after signing Diogo Jota and Thiago Alcantara for almost £70million last week.
Arsenal transfer news
In another development, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is hoping to see Lyon star Houssem Aouar in Arsenal’s shirt soon before deadline day after hailing the midfielder’s talents.
The 22-year-old has reportedly agreed on personal terms with the North London club, but a deal still appears to be some way off as his valuation is yet to be met.
This is following Arsenal’s £32million bid last week, which was rejected. But owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the club has reduced their £55m asking price and Gunners will return with another bid for him this week.
He is an alternative to Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey, while Chelsea’s Jorginho is also an option.
With the look of things, Lyon might accept the next bid and the captain will become an Arsenal player.
