Confidence seems to be high in the Arsenal camp at the minute.
Two wins from two, albeit against Newcastle and Burnley, has left Unai Emery’s side level on points with Liverpool at the top of the table.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are this weekend’s opponents for the Gunners, and a positive result at Anfield could leave many dreaming of a potential title challenge.
The Reds have brushed aside Norwich and Southampton in their opening fixtures, as well as lifting the European Super Cup after a penalty shootout win over Chelsea.
And now, Gunners defender Sokratis, talking to the media, cited by Goal, has insisted that coming up against Liverpool’s prolific front three on Saturday may not be as tricky as many expect, comparing the Reds to last weekend’s opponents, Burnley.
For a defender it is more difficult [to play teams like Burnley] because you have to fight a lot.
It [Liverpool} is a different game. Maybe it is more easy, because you don’t have to fight a lot – but they also play football.
If they are on a good day and you are having a bad day, it is hard.
And these Arsenal fans had a mixture of opinions on the 31-year-old’s bold view.
Twitter: @charles_watts I like the optimism but Arsenal haven’t won at Anfield since 2012. This has been Arsenal’s worst fix… https://t.co/h8dyGozZNR (@Nelzoyuga)
Twitter: @charles_watts We’re still getting spanked at Anfield
(@musshaikh)
Twitter: @charles_watts I sincerely hope these are not famous last words. Belief is key when you go there. Not be overcome b… https://t.co/tF6LaSxUek (@LionofJudahpvm)
Meanwhile, these Liverpool fans were quick to laugh off the defender’s comments.
Twitter: @MirrorFootball They’re really asking for it aren’t they?
(@zrul_hafiz)
Twitter: @MirrorFootball Famous last words! (@rugbychamps03)
Twitter: @MirrorFootball
https://t.co/ZU2wDHkhmY (@amdlfc91)
Read Arsenal verdict
As one Liverpool fan hinted, be careful what you wish for. The Greek centre-back featured at Anfield last year as the Reds ran riot after Ainsley Maitland-Niles initially opened the scoring for the Gunners.
Liverpool appear to be shakey at the back, however, their front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah have picked up from where they left off last season, which could once again spell trouble for Sokratis and co.
The fixture on Merseyside has all the ingredients to be a classic encounter, and Arsenal fans will be hoping Sokratis can back up his claim on Saturday with a dominant display to thwart the likes of Mane, Firmino and Salah.
