5 Reasons why Liverpool could struggle against Arsenal | Premier League 2020-21

Can Arsenal spring an upset against Liverpool in the Premier League tonight?
Can Arsenal spring an upset against Liverpool in the Premier League tonight?

#3 Liverpool's defence have looked vulnerable in their opening two games

Virgil van Dijk had a hard time in Liverpool's game against Leeds
Virgil van Dijk had a hard time in Liverpool's game against Leeds

In a twist of fate, in both the 2019-20 season and the current 2020-21 Premier League campaign, Liverpool's first game was against a promoted team. But while both games – against Norwich City and Leeds United respectively – saw the Reds score four goals, the manner of their wins couldn't have been more different.

Klopp's side largely dismantled Norwich, exposing their defensive frailties time after time. But while they also exposed Leeds' somewhat flimsy defence too, they also looked far more vulnerable themselves in the process.

Of Liverpool's four defenders, only Andrew Robertson came away from the Leeds game with any true credit, as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, and Virgil van Dijk all struggled badly.

It's true that all three men are proven, top-class Premier League defenders – but with Liverpool somewhat short on cover following the departure of Dejan Lovren, Klopp ought to be worried if they're all struggling for form at the same time.

More to the point, tonight's game sees the Reds' defence faced with one of the Premier League's most dangerous forwards in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. And Arteta can also call upon other threatening attackers like Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah, Bukayo Saka and Willian.

So can the Reds really keep them all at bay if indeed, their defence is out of form? Arteta will probably believe the answer is no – and that should give the Gunners plenty of hope.


#4 Arsenal have had a great start to the Premier League campaign

Arsenal have started the 2020-21 Premier League campaign in great form.
Arsenal have started the 2020-21 Premier League campaign in great form.

The 2020-21 Premier League campaign has already thrown up some shocking results. From Leicester's 2-5 win over Manchester City to Crystal Palace's upset win over Manchester United. However, one big side who have yet to wobble are Arsenal.

Sure, the Gunners have faced two of the Premier League's strugglers – newly-promoted Fulham and West Ham, who could be seen as the competition's crisis club. But every game in the Premier League is tough, and yet Arsenal have come through both.

More to the point, suddenly the Gunners look like a fully balanced, highly talented squad in all areas. Last season's newcomers like Kieran Tierney and Dani Ceballos are performing well, this season's new signings Gabriel and Willian have offered the Gunners depth they lacked before. And key man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks as dangerous as ever.

To add to that, the Gunners' academy products – the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Bukayo Saka, and Reiss Nelson – are all becoming more consistent under Arteta, and now look ready to play a much bigger role in Arsenal's first XI.

Sure, the Gunners haven't been tested by a top Premier League side yet, but that will change tonight. And judging by their showings so far – a one-sided win and a gritty victory that they had to dig deep for – there's every chance that they rise to the occasion again.


#5 Liverpool have an injury crisis of sorts to deal with

Liverpool will be without their captain Jordan Henderson for tonight's game.
Liverpool will be without their captain Jordan Henderson for tonight's game.

If both Liverpool and Arsenal were able to call upon full-strength squads for this match, then on paper at least, you'd have to favour the Reds. However, Jurgen Klopp is probably sweating today as reports suggest that he certainly doesn't have a full-strength squad to use.

It's been reported that not only are the Reds going to be missing their captain Jordan Henderson, but now Klopp may have to do without goalkeeper Alisson and new signing Thiago Alcantara. And of course, these three injuries are coming on top of existing fitness issues with Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Given that, unlike their closest rivals, the Reds haven't really strengthened their squad too heavily this summer – signing only Thiago and Kostas Tsimikas – the injuries to key players may affect them quite badly.

In particular, goalkeeper Alisson is essentially irreplaceable. Deputy Adrian did a solid job in Premier League fixtures last year. But he doesn't offer the distribution nor the shot-stopping ability of the Brazilian, and that should give Klopp cause for concern.

Given Henderson's penchant for driving his side forward – the Reds are far more effective with him than without him – this weaker Liverpool side may well find that they struggle tonight at Anfield. And that could allow Arsenal to spring one of the biggest results of the Premier League campaign thus far.

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Edited by Zaid Khan