Liverpool travel to the Emirates on Monday night for their first big test of the season against one of the favourites for the Premier League title.
Much like the game at Stoke, the Reds return to the site of one of last season’s horror shows eager to pick up the pieces. What are they key areas that will decide this game?
Building from the back, again
Liverpool’s opening two victories have surprisingly, given recent seasons, been built on a solid defensive foundation. This game will be the first substantial test of the backline’s newfound solidarity.
Unchanged in the first two games, we would expect it to be the same again as Mamadou Sakho continues to have to bide his time, whether it be on the bench or again in the stands.
The Skrtel and Lovren partnership has shown much improvement at the start of this season but that will be put through a huge test here.
The two new full-backs also face a stern test, as the inexperienced but immensely talented Joe Gomez will probably have to conjure up the most astute performance of his career to date. Nathaniel Clyne’s performance on the right side should teach him plenty about being a Premier League full-back; the new man has looked the Red’s most dependable player early on.
Supporting Benteke and keeping the balance in midfield
Liverpool’s new number nine has been mentioned as someone who could upset the Gunners’ backline and he had a decent scoring record against them for Aston Villa.
In the last decade, Arsenal have been known to suffer at the hands of this type of striker; one with plenty of pace and power. This has been most notably demonstrated by Didier Drogba, who terrorised them many times.
Benteke has the aerial ability to be dangerous from set pieces and crosses, but will also run in behind (Mertesacker turns slower than the Earth). It is clear there will be no repeat of the striker-less and threat-less tactical approach from April’s demolition in this fixture.
What will be key to Benteke’s performance is what proximity to him the attacking midfielders are in. Coutinho, Lallana, Ibe or Firmino need to be in positions to free the big man or get on the end of his link up play themselves.
Deeper in midfield, it would also be useful if occasionally, when sensible, James Milner (Henderson if fit, or Emre Can could also do this) could make characteristic lung busting runs in and around the box. It is key that Liverpool not only have the energy to stop Arsenal’s play but also go on the counter attack with quick transitions.
Arsenal’s strength lies in their midfield creativity. They boast probably the best selection of attacking midfielders in the league. It is crucial that the Reds’ midfield doesn’t let the likes of Cazorla, Ozil and Ramsey breathe, much like the 5-1 game of 2014.
As we know, captain Jordan Henderson could miss the game, which would be a big loss, but wouldn’t change the general game-plan.
Examples from the Hammers
The biggest shock of the opening day was West Ham’s 2-0 victory at the Emirates and this should provide Liverpool with a boost of confidence and belief that they can execute a similar game-plan with higher quality players.
The Hammers were tenacious and spoiled the Gunners’ flow, playing for counter attacks and set pieces. Praying on Arsenal’s defensive weaknesses, Cheikhou Kouyate headed in with Petr Cech flapping and defenders nowhere to be seen.
If Liverpool could get the opening goal of this game, we would see a very anxious and potentially bloodthirsty Arsenal crowd. They then stood off Mauro Zarate for the second, whilst the goalkeeper again reacted far too slowly.
Cech bore the brunt of the criticism for both goals but his defence was also far from helpful and it may be something Liverpool could exploit.
All in all, the game is not a win or bust for Liverpool. As long as they perform well, a result would be a bonus away to the Gunners at this stage of the season.
The Reds have points on the board and can go into this with a freedom that Arsenal may not have given their opening day defeat.
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