Arsenal have spent years struggling to impose themselves at Anfield. However, Mikel Arteta could have an opportunity to change that record when his side face Liverpool on Sunday.
The Gunners have often struggled against the physicality of Liverpool on Merseyside. Since Jurgen Klopp took charge, Liverpool have built a reputation for being high pressing, fast, and making their opponents make mistakes.
However, looking at the latest stats, it seems that Liverpool are no longer as physical, meaning that Arsenal could target their weaknesses.
The disparity is stark between the two teams, with Liverpool having run the least distance of any Premier League side this season. Meanwhile, Arsenal are running the most.
If Arteta’s side can capitalise on this and create fast attacks from possession, then they can utilise this to their advantage.
Liverpool’s pressing has lost its physical edge
Liverpool have shifted away from their high-octane style associated with much of Klopp’s reign. Arne Slot has slowly moved towards a more possession-based approach, focusing on keeping the ball.
Andoni Iraola looks keen to add more intensity to their pressing. The Reds have had some of the best pressing stats in the Premier League this season (Opta Analyst).
However, they are not getting the desired intensity from the system.
In addition to chasing the opposition when they have the ball, players must quickly recover, cut off passing lanes and return to their defensive positions.
This is where Arsenal might have an opportunity. If they can get past Liverpool’s first line of pressure, they may have space to push forward before the home side can get back into position.
Rice and Lewis-Skelly could cause problems centrally
Another area that the Gunners could target is Liverpool’s midfield.
Alexis MacAllister and Ryan Gravenberch are technically gifted and very composed when they have the ball. But neither are a true defensive midfielder, which raises questions over their ability to stop teams playing through the middle.
Arsenal have the players to exploit this. Declan Rice can put in an energetic, physical performance and drive the play forward. Myles Lewis-Skelly provides another option who can run with the ball into dangerous areas.
This can cause problems for the Liverpool midfield. Arsenal can try to disrupt Mac Allister and Gravenberch, not letting them set the tempo of the game.
If they win these individual battles, it can stop Liverpool from getting the ball control they want.
Arsenal must put their Anfield record behind them
The task is certainly a tall one. Arsenal have lost their last 16 games at Anfield, including seven in Arteta’s reign.
Whilst that may be the case, the current Liverpool team are very different to the one Arsenal have faced on a regular basis during Klopp’s time in charge.
They certainly can’t expect to be outplayed, but they must take advantage of Liverpool’s failings.
Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League with 21 points from eight games. They will want to win here but will need to do more than just run them into the ground.
If Rice and Lewis-Skelly can push forward and pressurise them, forcing them to make mistakes, then Arteta could finally have his winning recipe at Anfield.
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