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Arsenal and Unai Emery have exceeded expectations with their start so far. After 10 games, the Gunners sit on 22 points, occupying one of the Champions League spots. However, the most refreshing aspect has been the Gunners’ attacking play. Having scored 24 goals, they are the joint 2nd leading scorers in the land.
Though Arsenal enjoyed a seven-game winning streak before being halted at Selhurst Park, they haven’t yet come up against a top-four rival since Chelsea. Thus, their game against Liverpool has assumed more importance. Apart from the three points on offer, the game would also provide an indicator of where the Gunners actually stand.
Liverpool arrive at the Emirates on the back of a run which has seen them go unbeaten and accumulate 26 points. Unlike the first half of last season, the Reds look much more assured defensively and look primed to mount an assault on the Premier League.
With the two titans of the English game set to cross swords on Saturday, there are numerous things one can look forward to. Through this article, we would look at three such things that a football fan can look forward to at the Emirates.
#3 Liverpool’s fabulous front three against Arsenal’s dodgy defense
For all of the Gunners’ attacking brilliance this season, they still look a massive ‘work-in-progress', defensively. To compound their problems, they might have to go into the match without their first-choice full-backs with Bellerin and Monreal facing a race against time to be fit.
Moreover, Mustafi has looked on the verge of committing an error whenever he’s taken the field which leads one to question why Sokratis isn’t playing alongside Rob Holding. There are problems aplenty for the Gunners in the defensive third and an acid test lies in wait against Liverpool.
A fit and firing Liverpool front three causes headaches to even the meanest of defences and against a makeshift Arsenal back four, they would fancy their chances of inflicting damage.
Though Salah, Firmino and Mane haven’t yet clicked collectively, they have shown in recent weeks that they aren’t too far off the mark. While Mane got off the blocks quickly, Salah took time to rediscover his scoring touch. On the other hand, Firmino has been the least effective of the three but Klopp would expect the Brazilian to turn up when it matters most.
A major chunk of the game would be decided by Arsenal’s ability (or inability) to shut Liverpool’s attack out. If the Gunners can keep things tight at the back, they can expect their flair players to make the difference at the other end of the pitch.
Though the odds are heavily in favour of Liverpool waltzing past Arsenal’s defence, it surely makes for an interesting watch. Thus, it is a battle you can’t take your eyes off once Saturday rolls in.
#2 Arsenal’s adventurous attack against Liverpool’s rock-solid rear-guard
Liverpool’s defense has vastly improved since Virgil Van Dijk walked through the Anfield door. The 2018-19 season has been no different as Liverpool have let in just 4 goals in 10 games. However, they will face a tough ordeal by fire when they line up against Arsenal’s attack.
A major criticism towards the end of Arsene Wenger’s tenure was Arsenal’s inability to bring their attacking prowess to the fore against teams who were defensively sound. However, under Emery, the Gunners have looked more direct and seem better-placed to break down any rear-guard.
Aubameyang has been in good scoring form and deservedly finds himself joint-top of the scoring charts. Additionally, his partnership with Lacazette has laid the foundations for Arsenal to score freely. The Frenchman, too, has been impressive and has acted as a good focal point for the Gunners’ attack. Apart from the duo, Iwobi has looked sharp and seems to have brushed off last season’s disappointment.
However, if Arsenal are to beat Liverpool, they need their creative genius, Mesut Ozil to turn up like he did against Leicester. Against the Foxes, the German was scintillating and was involved in all the goals Arsenal scored. An in-form Ozil and Liverpool might just have a herculean task on their hands.
Arsenal’s attack versus Liverpool’s defence is a perfect example of an irresistible force against an immovable object. If the irresistible force triumphs, only then would Arsenal be able to overcome their Merseyside rivals. But one thing is for sure: the battle is one to keep your eyes glued to.
#1 Lucas Torreira
Since arriving from Sampdoria for close to £26m, the diminutive Uruguayan has been a revelation for Arsenal. After an initial teething period, he has now established himself as the first name on the team-sheet.
Torreira was a vital cog as Arsenal won seven on the trot in the league. The ex-Sampdoria midfielder has a skill-set vastly different from his peers at the Emirates. Blessed with the ability to anticipate the path and trajectory of the ball, he has been efficient in breaking up the opposition’s play. However, the most impressive aspect has been his ability to transition quickly from defence to attack by playing impressive passes in between the lines.
Torreira didn’t start the twin defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea yet created more of an impact than any of the other midfielders. Now having firmly established himself as a starter, it would be intriguing to see how he fares against Liverpool’s dynamic play. If the Uruguayan is successful in cutting off the passing lines to Liverpool’s front three, Arsenal would gain the edge in a battle of fine margins.
The Gunners have been dominated in midfield with uncomforting frequency over the previous few years. However, in Torreira, they finally seem to have a pocket-sized dynamite capable of going toe to toe. For all of the attacking artistry on display, the most interesting aspect would be the impact (or lack of it) Torreira creates.
While Reds’ fans would hope for it to be as minimal as possible, Gooners would want it to be astronomical. With just over a day to go, how the Uruguayan performs is something everyone needs to watch out for.
