On Wednesday evening, Arsenal face off against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in a game that, assuming other results this week go their way, could see the Gunners move five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League table.
Standing in their way are a Liverpool side that are still trying to adapt to Klopp’s managerial style and so this may well be the key to unlocking their defence.
The first layer that the Gunners need to be careful of is the big Belgian striker, Christian Benteke. With Daniel Sturridge having missed the majority of the season so far, the Belgian has had to step up for the Kop and despite being the club’s top scorer this season, he only boasts seven goals so far. This isn’t a great return for a striker at a club as big as Liverpool but it is enough to see them probing for a UEFA Champions League place. The six-foot-three tall striker is one of the most imposing players on the pitch and isn’t afraid to use his strength to outmuscle defenders. Therefore, it is important that he is marked tightly throughout the game. If the Arsenal defenders can keep an eye on Benteke before Liverpool attack quickly, then his impact will be limited.
The Belgian is also quite capable of running with the ball at his feet. He might not be the quickest, but his technique on the ball and brute strength are often enough to see him wriggle his way through a team’s defence. As such, it is equally as important that the majority of balls are cut off before they reach him. Obviously, it isn’t reasonable to suggest that every ball be stopped, but if Arsenal can prevent the majority of balls from reaching him, then Benteke will be frozen out of the game.
One factor in the Liverpool team that could greatly benefit the Gunners is their current injury crisis at centre-back. The Gunners should be focusing their attacks on the heart of Liverpool’s defence which lacks both match sharpness and fitness. With Olivier Giroud continuing to deliver the goals and Mesut Ozil more than happy to open up even the toughest of defences, these two will no doubt be looking forward to the prospect of playing at Anfield.
Overall, this game will be a challenge for the Gunners. However, with Klopp’s side somewhat floundering at the moment, and the Gunners challenging for the league title, Arsenal fans will be expecting their side to overcome Liverpool and secure their position at the top of the league.
