The Hard Tackle lists three players who can impact proceedings in the crunch clash at Anfield when Liverpool hosts Arsenal.
The opening lines for most previews ahead of the upcoming top-of-the-table clash between Liverpool and Arsenal will outline the North Londoners’ last recorded victory at this venue. It came in 2012, courtesy of a midfield masterclass from Abou Diaby, while Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla got on the scoresheet.
It has been more than 11 years since Arsenal have had the joy of securing three points at this daunting venue. But now, Mikel Arteta’s men look best-placed in years to do so again. Last season, they came really close after a terrific performance for half an hour that saw them take a 2-0 lead.
But yet again, it is pretty much impossible to predict what Liverpool would do to a team, and they almost snatched a victory after levelling the scores. The equalising goal came from a paltimone villain for Arsenal in Roberto Firmino, and their fans will be relieved to have seen the back of the Brazilian for good.
Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly want a repeat of the first-half performance but not what he saw in the second period. Either way, it does appear Arsenal are better equipped than they were in this fixture last season, and the manager will put his chips on that factor alone to get something out of this clash against Liverpool.
From Liverpool’s perspective, their team may not look too different. But there are some key changes on that side. They no longer have Firmino, who can make a difference, although someone like Harvey Elliott can do the job but is not quite there yet.
They have a revamped midfield setup with their former pillars, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, no longer around. Similarly, Liverpool are severely missing the bite that Andrew Robertson provides, as well as one other player who tends to perform well, particularly against Arsenal in Diogo Jota.
Then, Alexis Mac Allister misses out with an untimely injury, thus leading to speculation about whether Arsenal can come in and take three points. The Gunners also have problems in places. But there are some of the players they did not have last season in this fixture here.
For instance, Declan Rice’s impact cannot be discounted, and his presence certainly gives Arsenal the edge in central midfield. The addition of Kai Havertz has also proven good, primarily based on how he has performed in the last few weeks.
But the most significant factor for Arsenal could come in the form of William Saliba, who relishes playing against clubs that are direct in their approach, such as Liverpool. The Frenchman could have a big say in this fixture by stabilising the backline against a formidable Merseyside attacking setup.
Here, we list three players who can impact proceedings at Anfield for either side. Saliba cuts slightly above Virgil van Dijk, while one cannot keep Alexander-Arnold and Rice out of the equation.
Declan Rice
The English international is the most apparent Arsenal player to make this list, considering the level of performance he has put in this season, especially in the big games. While some may talk about his late goals against Manchester United and Luton Town to secure wins, Rice is much more about how he performed against Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
Roberto De Zerbi reiterated his disappointment at how Brighton played and stressed that they could not have any control of the game. Rice was a significant factor in that, as the midfielder ran through the Seagull’s midfield and managed the tempo.
For Arsenal to not have a repeat performance at Anfield from last season, Rice must play a significant role against Liverpool on Saturday. The Gunners have already demonstrated they can keep an ultra-attacking team like Manchester City quiet for 90 minutes; they might as well look to replicate it against Liverpool.
Rice will have a more significant say in this fixture, especially when compared to how Liverpool’s midfield will set out. Wataru Endo has shown deficiencies in his game, especially with his ball-losing actions. And who better than the England international in those situations to make the best out of those errors?
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold put in an excellent performance in this fixture last season, and it will come as a reminder for Arsenal to be alert about what the right-back can do. He has now excelled in that inverted role for Liverpool and will continue to impact the game differently than one might know about him.
Alexander-Arnold can influence the game in all areas of the pitch, as his creativity knows no limits. He is a significant threat from set pieces and delivers precise balls inside the box. One might also remember his late chance creation against Arsenal last season, which resulted in an incredible save from Aaron Ramsdale off Ibrahima Konate. Such qualities have alerted top clubs like Real Madrid.
Overall, Arsenal might have to devise a plan to stop Alexander-Arnold in his tracks, or they risk exposing their defence to a situation they have not experienced this season. The Liverpool right side could have a more significant say than any other position. Alexander-Arnold will undoubtedly look to exploit the weaknesses in Oleksandr Zinchenko’s game alongside Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool’s fortunes can swing in their favour if Alexander-Arnold has the best of performances, and he has already proven he can become their best player, albeit playing from a deeper position.
William Saliba
Arsenal fans will tell you how William Saliba was the player they missed most during the title run-in last season. This fact has been reiterated with several players since. The French defender has been a rock at the back for the Gunners and has taken his game to the next level this season.
He certainly gives Arsenal an edge in the game at Anfield later today and a visible upgrade to Rob Holding, who played in his place last season here. Saliba relishes playing against teams who have a direct approach, and Liverpool will be aware of that. This quality has attracted many big-name clubs like Real Madrid.
Saliba has shown no chinks in his armour this term and keeps growing with each passing game. His flourishing partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the back will be another factor that tilts the tie in Arsenal’s favour for now. However, his potential battle with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz or Darwin Nunez will have a fascinating look to it.
Arsenal have quality throughout their starting lineup, which we presume might remain unchanged from the Brighton win when they take on Liverpool. However, having a player of Saliba’s quality could give them the edge in this top-of-the-table clash later today.
