Arsenal welcome Liverpool in a fixture that offers the Gunners a clear opportunity to demonstrate that they are capable of taking the Premier League title, and this is the starting eleven selected by Mikel Arteta.
Liverpool’s title challenge has been disappointing, and there is a growing sense that significant improvement is required if they are to compete effectively in both the short and long term. In contrast, Arteta is working with an Arsenal squad shaped by years of frustration and near misses, including the disappointment inflicted by Liverpool last season. Those experiences appear to have strengthened the group rather than weakened it.
The Gunners are confident in their ability to perform at the highest level and believe they can beat any opponent on their day. Their form and mindset suggest a team determined to turn past heartbreak into success. However, there is also an awareness within the Arsenal camp that Liverpool will not make the task straightforward, regardless of recent struggles.
The Reds may have stumbled over the past few weeks, but there is an expectation that they will give everything in this contest to avoid defeat. Pride, reputation and the need to halt a damaging run of results are all powerful motivations, particularly in a high-profile fixture of this nature.
Recent history also adds intrigue. Arsenal have failed to win any of the last four head-to-head meetings against Liverpool, and Arne Slot has yet to lose a league match against Arteta. While many expect that sequence to end, underestimating what the Dutchman can produce on the big stage could prove costly.
Arsenal arguably have more to lose. They require maximum points to maintain and widen the gap between themselves and the chasing pack. That reality is likely to push them into an aggressive and assertive approach, with the home side expected to commit fully in pursuit of a result that could define their season.
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Cometh the hour, cometh the men
SueP,
Hopefully it will be 90 plus time added on. 😂👍
Cometh the hour, cometh the Martinelli (or Madueke, or Merino)?
👍
Cometh the…. Miles, apparently, ha
This half has been wretched so far
Allowed Liverpool back into it
@SueP
RealTalk 👍🏾
Let’s go!
Back 4 from Liverpool, with Bradley and Kerkez who we can get at.
Super excited for this one, can’t wait at the possibility of getting 8 points clear. But I must say Liverpool have been improving in the 5 or 6 games, it seems now they are willing to go low block against some opposition.
Their improving does not mean shingbain (local colloquial for “nothing” where I’m from)
Lol..Omo iya..It doesn’t me shibo
In low block sense, a back four with Bradley and Kerkez – who helps them out? Frimpong obviously, but that’s not the best use of his pace, considering no one else in this 11 has pace to get in behind. Do the fall backs get left 1 on 1? On paper it doesn’t look defensive low blocky enough. It wouldn’t be naturally set up for the Liverpool squad anyway, but Gomez could have come into a three or played right back.
Liverpool are willing to play ugly to results lately, they get everyone behind the ball
COYG! We can do it
A win would put us 8 points ahead
@Stephanie
Hoping this is our”88” 8 home wins and 8 points clear at the top….👍🏾
What’s happening? Haven’t been seeing Nwaneri on the bench for quite awhile
Take a look at the bench and remove one person that you would replace him with if you were the coach.
We are alive in 4 competitions, he won’t be allowed out on loan and will get game time I’m sure, even without another round of injuries.
As an 18 year old, he could be getting his games and development in PL2?
I don’t know why I’m not feeling confident for this match.
I hope and pray we find a way to grind out a win.
With players Liverpool have out in attack we should be fine
Its very cold and p**s**g down with rain here in London so the lads will have to keep it moving on the pitch if only to keep warm. It’ll be interesting to see whether they try to play low block which is something they’re not accustomed to doing. We could really do a lot of harm to their club tonight. I hope we keep 11 players active for the duration.
Tonight the turn is for the wide men in Saka and Trossard. Midfielders Rice and Zubi did their shares in previous games. Arteta the tactician will make this team unpredictable.
I wouldn’t say Zubemendi and Odegaard are fair weather players but the harsh weather conditions tonight may impact on their effectiveness whereas Rice may relish the heavy going.Liverpool will probably flood the middle of the park and leave Gakpo to forage up front but hopefully our centre backs will be able to cope after their sub par performances at Bournemouth.Wirtz and Szoboszlai are top quality players but i am relatively confident we will get the three points.
Not Zoob or Ode weather? Is it Wirtz weather? His legs are tired, he has defensive work on his mind. Wirtz got 90 minutes in him? Does he hobble off, broken?
We are very cautious at the moment
Little slow in build up
The usual slow, annoying start 🙄
The Latino Hincapie on short sleeve shirts in this notorious weather? Unbelievable! Others on short mood are Saka Gyokeres and Rice. Card happy ref Taylor yellow early for a condonable Trossard? Will see how many.
Crowd needed a goal to remain agitated; a little subdued later.
Are we waiting again today for the second half? First halves end uneventful in recent games. Avoid predictability.
Pretty much pedestrian at the moment. Odegaard, Zubi and Gyokeres not doing much at the moment.
In the Anfield tie if remember Liverpool kept playing when Timber was lying on the floor even Gakpo behaving unsportsmanlike.
Gyokeres does go long long periods without touching the ball, not sure if its on him or the team
Ive had enough of Gyokeres, again. Please put Gabby J on so we can not play with 10 men. If I hear he “occupies CB’s” one more time….
I think Gyokeres is about to score in second half. Kanote has a mistake in him and will miss the movement.
Thats the thing though it’s just all wishful thinking when it comes to Gyok scoring. There’s nothing tangible from his game that actually makes anyone think he’s about to score. He’s never even close to the ball when we whip balls into the box, was totally absent for that ball rice put across the box. Konate needs to slip for him to finally score a goal? That’s not acceptable in my books. Our forwards need to be offering more than hoping for blatant errors.
I’m sure Gyok is a finisher. He will get going.
I hope so too Moon Girl, more than anything whatever it takes to get the 3 points today
totally agree. Jesus needs to come in at half time.
Even though Liverpool has parked the bus with 6 players in the backline at times but we are very slow and poor going forward
Very cautious at times going forward under the pressure that Liverpool might hit us on counter
We need to be quicker in the 2nd half
May be bring Jesus for Gyökeres and play like false 9
Or may be Eze for Zubimendi and play Rice number 6
They have a very very depleted team, we really won’t get much better a chance to hit them for six, we really can’t pass up this opportunity.
The difference is visible in the roster of substitute players. Finishers at Arsenal; just zubs at Liverpool dug out. It’s a shame we still are looking for the second half energy.
Arteta and the coaches seemed to have just used the first half of the game to analyze Slot’s tactic
If they can’t win the game, they don’t deserve any major trophy this season. Liverpool were severely crippled with injuries and Salah’s absence, so we’ve got to win today
Unfortunately, Havertz is still unfit, otherwise he would’ve become another threat in our attacking set-piece
Watching this, I can’t help but feel like this game was made for Havertz. Pity he’s not available.
Not a bad half but a little bit safe (apart fom the silly unnecessary back passing) it can be stepped up massively second half. Liverpool are no great shakes.
I agree Reg, there’s only one side out there tonight with extra gears and options.
How wrong we were😂😂😂
Time to bring in Jesus as Gyokeres provides nothing in this type of games where there is no space to run into.
Massive improvement needed in second half if we are to get the three points. We started well by pressing high up, just not so much as the half went on. Too slow passing in the final third. And I think we should get saka I’m the game more, kerkez is vulnerable. Let’s go Gunners
We need an upgrade on Martin Ødegaard—there, I said it.
He might produce something special once in a while, but that’s no longer enough given the quality of players around him. He’s too slow on the ball, recycles possession backwards far too often, and his pressing is frustrating to watch. He’s constantly demanding intensity from others, but the physical and defensive side of his game doesn’t consistently match the demands of a top-level midfield in a title-challenging team.
Liverpool have clearly blocked the middle of the park and there’s no room for Odegaard to operate in. The space is out wide and this is the kind of game our wingers need to win for us. When we meet a team that double marks our wingers, the space will appear centrally and Odegaard will do his thing.
Second half – part 2 – we make substitutions bring on 3 Merino and two others thereby presenting Liverpool’s Kerkes and Bradley with an entirely fresh and new problem to get to try to overcome. Liverpool’s bench cannot compare to ours. This change should produce the goal(s).
Not sure how anyone defends Gyokeres any more. Doesn’t seem to have insignt to get onto balls in box and low skills when does. Passenger. Get Jesus on.
Yeah if I was Arteta I would bring in Jesus soon, then change Trossard for Martinelli to help cover Frimpong who is constantly outpacing us. He’s their main outlet. Miles is a huge risk against him.
Ha, then 2 minutes later he does exactly that… I would say I’m a mind reader but it was the obvious thing to do really.
Trossard yellow worries me he can be petulant and is always yapping to ref. 1 mistimed tackle or miscontrol who turns into holding opponent by reflex could get him sent off.
Playing this slow cautious conservative approach football is playing into Liverpool’s hands. Really need one touch, two touch approach, with first time crosses to unsettle this Liverpool defence. Very under whelming first half
Trossard had a bad game
Very lucky not to concede penalty
Need to replace by Martinelli
We are going long. Brentford style.
This is very rubbish and frustrating football to watch
Ohh dear
Lewis Skelly vs pacey Fringpong
This is going to be tough for Arsenal on that right side
Would have bought on White
Liverpool are playing much better and fluid football than Arsenal
Should have brought White and put Timber on LB
We look like the away team.
We could do so much more if we only were braver. Liverpool look composed. We don’t look in control and actually look vulnerable at times. We’re just hoofing the ball away and giving Liverpool easy possession. Makes no sense..
Total Domination by Liverpool in the 2nd half so far
shameful 2nd half performance. Playing scared and now liverpool are smelling blood
We’re on the ropes against a weak Liverpool.
Ball anticipation of arsenal players always poor
Arsenal have been outplayed by Liverpool in the 2nd half
I can see Liverpool scoring from the right side
Would not be able to tell this is a big game for us to go 8 points clear. Where’s the intensity? Need more from everyone. MLS looks very much on the ropes
A single goal will decide this one
And most likely Liverpool will score that from right side
Fringpong gonna cook Lewis Skelly
Absolutely shameful 2nd half performance. No pressure on the ball we are just backing of and letting Liverpool do as they please.
Liverpool are winning every 2nd ball
We are not even getting any ball
We need to push harder, this is ridiculous, what are we doing?
With this performance I would take a point here
Everyone is poor today, bring on Merino maybe ?
Kirkes man of match for me. Really risen to the challenge.
If I were Arteta, I would’ve brought Madueke in instead of Martinelli, because we need more direct runs and crosses from the left wing more than an inverting LW
Arteta shouldn’t get a draw against a heavily crippled Liverpool
What the hell is that 2nd half, we looked completely out of it.
@Ackshay
We shot our wad in the first half.
We’re being out-played in every way. Very poor show..
Lewis-Skelly should improve his pace and defending abilities if he wants to play for England in World Cup
Eze and Madueke for depth watch what unfolds now – brace yourself for 1-Nil to the Arsenal.
How can Arteta take off Saka?
Looks like we tried to play as cr*p as possible tonight..
We are not even able to keep the ball for 5 seconds
Not even 3 passes
This is pitiful to watch, no urgency at all
Whatever the results, this has been our worst performance of the season so far.
This has been horrible. I dont know yet again if this squad has the mentality to even cross the finish line if we do end up in a good position towards the end of the season. Totally fell apart 2nd half. Still 6 points clear but really a golden opportunity yet again squandered. No positives from this one anywhere.
BAD in every way that game. Nothing positive accept we stay 8 points clear. Liverpool will feel better about the point.
6 GunnerRay
How we cannot make clever movents surprises me…players are afraid to loose and maybe instructions are making a man rather than space…
Not good enough, poor first half and got worse second half. Good thing games are coming through fast, I need to forget this one!
SAY:- WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE!! (repeat). All said and done this is what counts.
Not at our best today, in both football, and how frustration became petulance, and unsavoury behaviour.
But an opportunity missed after yesterday’s draws? No. Because ours was the harder fixture. Liverpool put in a performance of champions against us to take 4 points off us.
We played a crippled Liverpool at the Emirates.
We were near, if not full strength.
We played after City and Villa – the motivation to go 8 clear was red hot!
Then came such THAT performance.
We were dominated all over!
We missed a golden opportunity.
Plus for the pre match superb fanfare and for the crowd braving the cold & rain. First half was at Emirates; second half at Anfield.
Yes it was. The club and the crowd went to great lengths to create a positive atmosphere- which for most of the first half showed Arsenal in the driving seat. The second half must have had Slot giving Liverpool the Fergie treatment at half time.
I don’t expect an easy fixture or that somehow Liverpool are a pushover. It was the manner in which the second half was played that got to me. Granted, Liverpool put in a better performance but it was Arsenal who played like a league 1 team. Miss placed passes galore and hoofing the ball to nobody in particular as well as Raya farting around at the back with the defenders and not seizing the initiative to get the ball forward
A world of difference between last night and the Villa game
Awful performance from start to finish, Liverpool were there for the taking and we just didn’t get going, 2nd half they dominated bar the last few minutes when they sat in to get the draw, Gyokeres needed to be subbed at half-time cause we were playing with 10 men with him, totally hopeless! A bad night capped off by Martinelli trying to push the injured Bradley off the pitch, that’s not what I expect from someone playing for the Arsenal, shameful stuff.
Absolutely embarrassing
No fight no desire no idea. We haven’t actually played well consistently all season but we are still 6pts clear. MLS was awful wen he came on and Rice wasn’t his usual self, I hope we don’t regret not going out to win tonight rather than play safe. What the hell is wrong with Arteta, he needs to be braver because on that performance we will win sod all
Everything bad about our attack showed up today as well. You cant spread the goals throughout a team for a whole season, cant be relying on your defensive players to be main goal scorers. Someone needs to be having more than 5 at the halfway point of a campaign or eventually you’ll come up short. Our front 3 today didnt show enough bite. Saka had a good 30 minutes then totally went invisible, Trossard and Gyokeres ineffective. In midfield, Slot got them pressing very well and we just couldn’t cope, couldn’t win a 2nd ball to save our lives. I know I said Gabby J for Gyokeres, but honestly, I think I was wrong and Merino is the best option we have right now. It’s the only time our attack actually look like it knows what its doing, we get lots of interchanging and we have a spare man in midfield. If Arteta goes back to starting Gyokres he’s throwing this title. I fear we’re approaching the part of the season where we struggle for goals and we cry about not having any good forwards. It simply can’t be understated how big of a disappointing Victor Gyokeres is though. He simply hasn’t brought goals. “Occupying defenders” will NEVER replace goals. Odegaard, when’s this guy going to really boss a midfield again? We are well past the point of his injury excuses he hasn’t consistently shown up for well over a year at this point. We’ve got to consider moving on from him over the summer. Harsh, but thats how you stay on top. I know I’ll get the usual comments that im overreacting, but when I’ve watched so many great Arsenal campaigns deteriorate so fast, and today we could’ve gone 8 points clear… this result matters. A lot, and we didnt show up. Not a good sign.
Disappointing. But let’s not over react – it’s a tough league.
Imo im having a valid reaction and the title is very much in jeopardy after this.
A Liverpool side looking for goals from open play and a win may not have so many people in the midfield disrupting and choking us. Liverpools composure, shape, strength in one on ones, was very good on the day. They flooded the midfield against us, in expense of any cutting edge for themselves. Dyke, solarzall, macalister, kerkez, Alison, etc it’s a side full of world class players, who turned up and put in a performance.
On the night, we needed to carry and pass better, but when we took fullbacks on, Liverpool won more of the duels tonight than most sides have this season. It wasn’t rubbish from Saka, it was hard work for Saka against that Kerkes performance. We are still the best around at the moment, nothing substantial from this game. We have to see tonight more often to justify what you are saying. IMO.
I didn’t see Eze at all after he came on, not sure what’s going on with him. He should’ve been red hot after all the rest he’s had …
I hope the Villa win wasn’t a freak result, Arsenal went back to default settings of recent bad performances tonight, if Liverpool had Ekitikh fit I think he could have bagged a goal and Arsenal lose this game, we got lucky to get a point from this performance, so underwhelming.
We were lucky Onana got injured otherwise he dominated us the whole first half.
Would love to see Thierry Henry in this team at his height. If he doesn’t up our scoring, there is something else wrong.
Trash team offensively. I don’t have any problem with our defence.
On the offensive side, they waste the whole 2nd half doing nothing, then try to play in stoppage time.
They got away with it against Wolves some weeks back, and even against Everton away, not today.
Very poor second half. Zubimendi is not dominant and is very slow to move the ball. Odegaard is only good against very poor teams. He drops deep too often for an attacking midfielder and disappears when the team is under pressure. Gyokeres has been very poor the whole season and Jesus is not a classic centre forward who can win games when the chips are down. We definitely need another striker. Just a thought why doesn’t Arteta try Skelly in midfield as I see him as a better ball carrier than Odegaard and Zubimendi. Last 10 minutes we needed someone who could take risks and Skelly is very capable. Sometimes we need to play old style football from defense. Why doesn’t Raya just keep the ball midfield rather than trying to play from the back even when we are under pressure and chasing a win. This has been a season in which most of the teams have been poor we have no reason not to win the EPL. Arteta needs to sort out our centre forward and attacking midfield issues as have relied for goals from defender for too long.
Teams now know Arsenal shift gear in the 2nd half and prepare for the uplift. Saka not only in this game in general this season????? Madueke deserves longer minutes as we saw v Bournemouth.
The 2 Gabriels speak one language but regrettably couldn’t understand each other at the last attempt.
No you know when you asked how I know we won’t win the quadruple?
There it is
Mentally not strong enough
Yeah quadruple maybe a tall order; treble excepting the FA Cup as we lead that chart with 14.
We are not winning the treble lol
The idea LFC are a team that gets steamrolled is a nonsense. Nil Nil is the result and it does not take away from our season. I think every other side still wants to be in the position we are in.
It was arsene wenger who iterated consistency is impossible. We’ve lost nothing substantial today – especially in so far as our title ambitions: learn that.
They had lost so many of their key players to injury/AFCON, and we were almost full strength. That’s why it was so disappointing. They were there for the taking at home.
…fact is there are several teams against which we struggle, LFC, Man Utd, Citeh and notably Bayern when it really counts. Regardless we’ve no need to be so hard on ourself – lets wait see the transfer window its not over. LFC have over the years proven they have better pedigree in big competition(s) than us – except in FA Cups.
Regardless we are top tier too and that is not a fluke. I’m p***ed off too but I got to let it pass.
Lets be thankful we come away with no injuries: Fingers crossed for our L/B Piero Hincapie.
Could do with another Dubai, a lot of players seem to be sub par. MLS, Eze and Gyokeres – I expected a lot more from them, based on past performances.
Yes indeed…Dubai worked wonders for cohesion.
There seemed to be a lot of anger around our players that you don’t normally expect it from – Trossard and Martinelli, I don’t know if maybe something is going on. They got frustrated at the poor performances of others? I don’t know, you have to be strong, but not lose your rag.
Yes. The difference between the two sides tonight can be summed up with the one word, composure.
Oh yes Moon Girl, composure went out of the window in the second half
Moon Girl,
I think you’re post showed more composure. 👍
There was the lesser shown moment of lack of composure, Saka, bested by Kerkes all game, kicked out, and Kerkes to his credit made nothing of it, just kept going, but if that was a World Cup semi final, the Portuguese player (or whoever we meet) would easily get Saka sent off for that.
All you ask from your own players really is to remain composed, organised and confident in the face of frustration. A first title in twenty years shouldn’t be easy to win, or it wouldn’t be worth winning.