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Midweek Premier League action saw Arsenal move closer to the title triumph. The Gunners take on the challenge of Liverpool over the weekend, the result of which can throw a spanner in their works.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are on a poor run of form, going winless in four fixtures across all competitions. They failed to get over the line against a straggling Chelsea, whose xG of 2.29 was far superior to the Reds’ 0.39.
The last time Arsenal faced Liverpool 🍿 pic.twitter.com/HqkbKdXYCC
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 7, 2023
Liverpool’s inability to give a good account of their abilities against the Blues can be attributed to the fact Klopp rested key players for the bout. Mo Salah, Andy Robertson, Virgin van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all missed the bout.
The German would have hoped his second eleven would overcome Chelsea but will not have these designs against Arsenal. The Reds missed a trick at Stamford Bridge and will make sure to dent Arsenal’s title plans at Anfield.
Tough starting eleven against the Gunners
Liverpool are eighth in the league, three points adrift of Brighton in sixth. They can ill-afford to drop any more points with the Seagulls having a game in hand.
The Gunners will have to be on their best as Manchester City try to keep pace with them. They have an eight-point advantage but have played a game more than the Citizens. With Pep Guardiola’s men not skipping a beat, dropping points against Liverpool can be calamitous.
One of my favourite ever Liverpool goals was against Arsenal.
Steve McMahon never settles for a throw in 👊#LFC #LIVARS
pic.twitter.com/4fNwHXr36d— LFC Mumble (@lfcmumble) April 7, 2023
Arsenal youth academy graduate and former first-team lynchpin, knows the importance of the game, one that he likens to a title decider. The 21-time capped England international opined about Liverpool’s preparations for this game after they took it easy in midweek against Chelsea.
“This game is a worry for Arsenal. Liverpool did not play Salah, Van Dijk, Robertson, or Alexander-Arnold against Chelsea. Jurgen Klopp could be saving these players for Arsenal,” Merson in his article for Sportskeeds.
“I’d be shocked if they don’t play this game. It seems like the Arsenal game at home is more important to Jurgen Klopp, and that would worry me as an Arsenal fan.”
Arsenal needs to win at Anfield
With the exception of their Europa League ousting at the hands of Sporting CP, Arsenal has been flawless in recent weeks. Since their defeat to Manchester City, the Gunners have registered seven successive victories in the Premier League.
They can continue to put pressure on the reigning champions with a win over Liverpool. Without matches against less-fancied outfits coming after this duel, Arsenal can start preparing for the ticker parade early.
Merson was critical of Liverpool’s energy levels and commented that Arsenal are closer to the title than they would let show. After this battle with the Reds, only a tough duel against Newcastle remains.
The Gunners can make their life easy with a win and should aim for it to rule out any calamities.
“If Arsenal wins this game, I think they win the Premier League. They still have a game against an excellent Newcastle side, but Arsenal won’t have to beat them if they can get the better of Liverpool. If they win this game, they would have to have a major meltdown to lose the title race.
“Jurgen Klopp wants his Liverpool side to play a certain way, and his team doesn’t have the legs to pull it off at the moment. It wasn’t too long ago that Liverpool were smashing Manchester United at home.
“This is going to be a difficult game for Arsenal, and a victory here would seal the Premier League title for me.”
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