Arsenal vs Liverpool: Van Dijk vs Jesus & Other Key Battles To Watch Out For

Arsenal cross swords with Liverpool in a much-awaited Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, despite both clubs being in different states of entanglement.

The Gunners find themselves at the summit of the Premier League after eight games, picking up 21 points from a possible 24. North London derby success and a win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League mean confidence is sky-high within Arsenal’s camp, and a win over Liverpool may provide the shine required to underline their title credentials.

Liverpool, on the other hand, are in patchy form having won just two out of their seven games so far. Brighton held them to a 3-3 draw at Anfield last weekend, and while Jurgen Klopp’s men enjoyed some respite with a 2-0 win over Rangers in the Champions League, they head to the Emirates Stadium in a spot of bother.

On that note, let us take a look at the key on-field player battles that could define the game on Sunday.

#Luis Diaz vs Ben White

Luis Diaz has been one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming campaign for Liverpool. The Colombian international is a tricky wide player, capable of going both ways and causing problems to the opposition defenders. Due to his shooting prowess, he acquires a natural goal-scoring threat from outside the box.

Standing in front of Diaz is likely to be Arsenal right-back, Ben White. White has performed very well at right-back, demonstrating solid tactical flexibility and positional awareness. The England international has proven difficult to beat in 1v1 situations, and such defensive diligence has only helped in giving the Gunners compactness at the back.

With both players at the top of their game, it promises to be an exciting watch.

#Gabriel Jesus vs Virgil van Dijk

Gabriel Jesus has played a big role in transforming the Arsenal attack this term. The Brazilian’s understanding of the game seems to have improved, as evidenced by his movement and link-up play with smart passing abilities. He is relentless with his pressing, can hold off defenders with his sheer strength and is a pest in the box.

On Sunday, Jesus faces arguably his biggest test this season when he comes up against Liverpool centre-backs—Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip. Being the Reds’ defensive lynchpin, the focus will be on Van Dijk and how he stops Jesus. The towering Dutchman has suffered a massive dip in form, making uncharacteristic errors at the back leading to few goals.

Thus, it will be interesting to watch whether or not Van Dijk manages to keep Jesus at bay at the Emirates Stadium.

#Thiago Alcantara vs Thomas Partey

Thiago Alcantara is central to how Liverpool plays, with his passing ability, positional awareness and reading of the game key in dictating the tempo of games. A smart player with exceptional technical ability, he will be the deep-lying anchor in midfield and construct attacks for his team.

To restrict Thiago’s influence in the match, Thomas Partey will have a big role to play in Arsenal’s midfield. The Gunners are a better side when Partey is fully fit and firing as the Ghanaian is an expert in winning the ball, covers a lot of ground and provides the foundation for Granit Xhaka to join more in attacks.

If Partey can disrupt Thiago’s rhythm in the middle of the park, Arsenal’s chances of winning will become much higher.

#Gabriel Martinelli vs Trent Alexander-Arnold

Gabriel Martinelli has been a revelation for the Gunners and his sparkling performances this term means he is one of the first names on Arteta’s team sheet.

The Brazilian’s blistering pace, close control and dynamism has caused problems to every opposition he has played so far. Considering the form he is in, Martinelli will not shy from taking on Trent Alexander-Arnold and giving him a run for his money.

Alexander-Arnold has suffered a huge dip in form, and his omission from the England squad in the final Nations League game against Germany created headlines. He has constantly struggled to cope with players that run directly at him with pace and aggression, something which Martinelli will most likely look to do on Sunday.

So, will Alexander-Arnold redeem himself or fold against an in-form Martinelli? This battle is one to keep an eye on.

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