By As Arsenal prepare to host Liverpool in a high-stakes Premier League encounter on Sunday, the Gunners find themselves in a potentially vulnerable position due to key player absences and the Reds’ impressive form.
With 21 points from eight games, Liverpool sit second in the table, four points ahead of Arsenal. A victory for Arne Slot’s side at the Emirates Stadium would see them overtake current leaders Manchester City and leave Mikel Arteta’s men seven points adrift.
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha believes Arsenal enter this fixture as underdogs, a role that could suit them well. “The fact they will face a test against Liverpool, and weirdly at home they will feel possibly a bit like an underdog – I think that suits who they want to be at this moment,” Onuoha said on the Planet Premier League podcast.
Liverpool have lost just once this season, a 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, and have won every other game. Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter attributes their success to the stability Slot has brought to the team, saying, “The playing style has changed bit by bit – they build up and press a bit more patiently now.”
While Arsenal have made a habit of scoring early against Liverpool in recent meetings, they have not been as quick out of the blocks this season, failing to find the net in the first 15 minutes of any of their eight Premier League games.
Liverpool’s defensive solidity under Slot could make it even harder for the Gunners to get off to a fast start. The Reds have conceded just three goals and kept five clean sheets in eight games, half as many as they managed in the entirety of last season. On average, they are conceding 0.38 goals per game this campaign, compared to 1.08 goals last term.
Arsenal’s injury concerns have added to their challenges, with captain Martin Odegaard, winger Bukayo Saka, and defender Riccardo Calafiori all sidelined. The absence of William Saliba, who was sent off against Bournemouth, could also be significant, as the Gunners have a 74% win rate with him in the side, compared to 45.5% without.
On a positive note for Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli, who has more goal contributions against Liverpool than any other team since joining the club in 2019, is expected to be fit for the clash.
Liverpool will once again look to the ever-reliable Mohamed Salah to make the difference. The 32-year-old has contributed to 10 goals this season, with five goals and five assists, and has an impressive record against the traditional ‘big six’ clubs, with 61 combined goals and assists in 72 appearances.
As the two teams prepare to face off, the stage is set for a fascinating encounter that could have significant implications for the title race, even at this early stage of the season. With Liverpool’s defensive prowess and Salah’s form, Arsenal will need to be at their best to overcome their injury setbacks and secure a positive result.
