Arsenal‘s winning streak was brought to an end at Selhurst Park last week by a late Luka Milovojevic equaliser from the penalty spot. The Gunners host Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at the Emirates in a key Premier League week 10 fixture on Saturday in what has been described as Unai Emery’s acid test. Pundits downplayed arsenal 11 game winning streak by casting strong doubts on the team’s ability to maintain the run against one of the Premier League’s big boys. The test doesn’t come any harder than the heavy metal football served up by Klopp and his men.
Arsenal began the season with a 2 losses to Manchester City and Chelsea but won every other fixture until last week’s draw with Palace. They are a free scoring side having scored 24 goals in the premier league, just 3 short of City on 27 who are first in that regard. Their defence though is the leakiest in the current top 4 having conceded 13 goals as against 4 of this weekends opponent – Liverpool.
Liverpool under Klopp have become famous for their ultra attacking front 3 of Mane, Firmino and Salah. On their day those 3 can wreak havoc on any defence in the world. The front three have been responsible for 65% of Liverpool’s premier league goals this season. Klopp also seem to have plugged a defence many believe was their weakness. Big money signing, Virgil Van Dijk has added sturdiness to their defence, Robertson has ensured none of Albert Moreno’s inconsistencies cost the Reds while Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold are proving to be real gems.
World Cup finalist Dejan Lovren has also had to step up to ensure he plays regularly. This serious competition for places is putting every player on their toes and ensured performances do not drop. The midfield is also jam packed with several players jostling for positions. Henderson, Keita, Wijnaldum, Milner, Fabinho are all fighting for 3 positions in midfield. It is kudos to Klopp to have created such a squad brimming with quality.
Saturday’s clash will be the 225th meeting between these two sides. There have been 60 draws between them while Liverpool have 86 wins to Arsenal’s 78. Liverpool’s last loss to Arsenal dates back to April, 2015, a masterclass display from the gunners condemning the Reds to a 4-1 defeat. They are however unbeaten in the last 6 against Arsenal.
Team News
Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Divock Origi are long term absentees for Liverpool. Henderson and Keita missed last week’s win over Cardiff but trained away from the group during the week and are expected to be part of the squad for this game.
Arsenal’s biggest injury worry is Hector Bellerin who had to be withdrawn at half time at Selhurst Park due to a muscular problem. The absence of Sead Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal have been a huge issue for the team in the past 4 games. Kolasinac trained over the week and should be available for selection. Aubameyang took a knock against Blackpool in midweek but will be ready to feature.
Verdict
A title charge from Arsenal this season will be well ahead of schedule but if they manage to clip Liverpool’s wings, then their form and corresponding expectations will no longer go under the radar. Liverpool know everyone expects them to push Manchester City hard in the title race this year and will be aware that a loss or even a draw could begin an unassailable lead for City. Liverpool are in great form while Arsenal have fumbled when faced with the Big Six this season. Arsenal’s defence still have a long way to be tagged a title winning defence. A Liverpool win is the pick here.