Liverpool host Arsenal this Saturday in matchday 3 of the Premier League, in a battle between the only two sides in the Premier League who haven’t dropped points in the first two games of the season.
The last time Jürgen Klopp’s men played Arsenal at home, the German manager’s side trounced to a 5-1 win, thanks to a Roberto Firmino hat-trick.
With Klopp’s side flying after two wins in the Premier League and the Super Cup win, what could Arsenal manager Unai Emery do to stop Liverpool?
Let’s take a look at 3 things the Gunners need to do to stop Klopp’s side:
Push Trent Alexander-Arnold back
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the most exciting and proactive right-backs in the Premier League, who is quick and can put menacing crosses into the box.
The Reds profited massively from Alexander-Arnold’s attacking from the full-back position last season, and he could be vital for his side once again this season.
Arsenal should try to contain the young English full-back and not allow him space to run past their defenders and whip in crosses.
The Gunners could probably start with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the left and use his pace to push Alexander-Arnold back. Alexander-Arnold is not very good defensively, which is an area the Gunners can exploit.
Don’t allow Sadio Mane into central areas
Sadio Mane is the in-form forward among Liverpool’s famous front three. The Senegalese scored twice in the Super Cup game against Chelsea, and once in the game against Southampton, while also playing a part in the second goal against the Saints.
Mane is dangerous in and around the penalty box as he has a vicious right foot that can result in a lot of goals if he’s given time and space.
The Gunners should push the Senegalese attacker out wide and not allow him to cut into central areas. They could do this by doubling up on him, with two players closing down on him at all times.
Press from the top
Liverpool’s Achilles heel currently is their goalkeeping position as their No. 1 keeper Alisson is out of action due to injury, and he has been replaced by former West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian.
The Spanish ‘keeper has had an eventful start to his Liverpool career so far, conceding a penalty in the Super Cup against Chelsea, while also cheaply giving away a late goal against Southampton when he hit the ball against former Reds striker Danny Ings.
Adrian will be under pressure to not commit another gaffe, but the Gunners could force him to make another error by pressing from the top, using the pace of forwards Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to close him down.
Liverpool like to pass the ball and build attacks from the back, and by pressing the Reds from the front they could stop attacks from building while also putting pressure on Adrian.
