Arsenal travel to Anfield in a Premier League top-of-the-table clash which will decide who will lead the way going into Christmas.
The Gunners’ awful run of games, which ended their hopes of the Premier League title last season, began against Liverpool, and they will be hoping to use that experience to secure victory at Anfield for the first time in 11 years.
How Arsenal Can Beat Liverpool in Title Clash
Don’t give in to Anfield Pressure
A lot of talk in the last week has been about the atmosphere at Anfield following Liverpool’s subdued performance against Manchester United last weekend. Due to this Jurgen Klopp criticised the crowd and called for them to be more proactive in the stands. The German said: “We need Anfield on their toes from the first second, without me having an argument with the opposition coach or whatever. We need you from the first second.”
Whether this was something Klopp wanted to plant to gain a psychological edge against Mikel Arteta’s side is a factor some may think. However, having the Scouse crowd ready to pounce on their North London counterparts will be invaluable for the Reds.
Focus on Solidity
The Gunners haven’t won at Liverpool since 2012, a game that Arteta himself played in. They thought their luck on Merseyside had turned, but their dominance at 0-2 turned to 2-2 and hanging on for dear life by the end of the game. Arteta described how Arsenal will have to “play really well, compete extraordinarily well” to win against Klopp’s side.
The biggest difference between this Arsenal side and the one from last season’s fixture is the availability of William Saliba and the additions of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz to solidify the midfield. If Arsenal are to control proceedings against Liverpool, they will rely on these three players making the difference. The Gunners are the best in the league at defending their own box, but the Reds have some of the most clinical attackers at their disposal.
The battle to be top at Christmas will come down to who can keep their heads in what will be an electric atmosphere after Klopp’s call to arms. If the Gunners can ride through the battle and stamp their authority in Merseyside – they will be sitting at the top of the tree on Christmas Day.
