View From The Enemy – Great Preview of Arsenal v Liverpool – Expect Goals

This week’s View From The Enemy comes direct from the Official Liverpool website and includes an interesting analysis of the match by John Cross from the Mirror, who regularly winds us up with his ‘inside’stories from Arsenal FC. Enjoy!

The view from Arsenal: ‘We’ll get goals, for sure!’ by Dominic Raynor

Two of the Premier League’s in-form teams face off at Emirates Stadium on Saturday as Liverpool travel to Arsenal in the evening kick-off.

After succeeding Arsene Wenger as Gunners manager in the summer, Unai Emery endured a tough start with defeats by Manchester City and Chelsea.

But they subsequently embarked on an 11-game winning streak across all competitions that ended with a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend.

Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup win over Blackpool makes it 13 matches unbeaten for Arsenal, who will therefore be in positive mood when the Reds arrive in north London.

So, what can we expect from the new-look Gunners?

We caught up with the Daily Mirror’s chief football writer, John Cross (@johncrossmirror), who has charted Emery’s evolution since his arrival at the Emirates, to get the lowdown…

How is Emery regarded by the Arsenal fans?

To be honest, I’m sure they knew of him before he arrived, but they didn’t know him like they do now, and they have definitely embraced him. They like his energy, enthusiasm and, most of all, the impact he has had on the team and the results.

What has he changed from the previous regime?

I always find these comparisons hard because when managers change it’s always a case of ‘The king is dead, long live the king.’

If the old manager banned ketchup, then he was a genius at the time but the new one knows best when he brings it back. What I’m trying to say is that he succeeded Arsenal’s greatest manager of all time in Wenger. They are big shoes to fill and he is doing things differently and getting results, but in no way is that a criticism of Wenger.

He is working the players harder, tougher and longer with double sessions, more on tactics, coaching and drilling them. They work harder off the ball. Early on, the football wasn’t as expressive or free-flowing, but just lately they’ve been getting results and playing good stuff.

It’s more about the high press, less about possession and the change seems to have refreshed and got the best out of players.

Have expectations changed?

I think expectations have risen thanks to the winning run. Now Arsenal fans think they might just get into the top four. Before the season started I think most thought that would be a big ask, bearing in mind the squad is still largely the same as the one which finished a distant sixth last term. The season looks promising.

Is Mesut Ozil still the star man at Arsenal?

Yes, in as much as that when he plays to his best, he’s the main man. His performance against Leicester City was magical. His display at Crystal Palace less so, but Emery seems to be getting Ozil to be more consistent and harder-working, which must be a good thing.

What is the team’s biggest strength?

This team’s biggest strength is their spirit, they often start slowly, even go behind and yet they have a defiance and a work-rate which sees them fight back and get results. That spirit, the togetherness in the squad is refreshing and looks healthy.

How do you expect Arsenal to line up at the Emirates?

Leno; Bellerin (if fit), Holding, Mustafi, Monreal (if fit); Torreira, Xhaka, Iwobi, Ozil, Mkhitaryan, Lacazette.

Where do you think this match will be won and lost?

I’ve seen Liverpool more than Arsenal this season and their strike force is hitting top gear. They look quick, sharp and full of goals again. If Liverpool play at their best then I think they’ll win, if Arsenal can keep Liverpool’s strike force in check then they stand a chance.

This fixture has been a thriller in recent seasons and we’ll get goals, that’s for sure!

What is your prediction for the game?

I think Liverpool will win in a high-scoring, entertaining and intense game. I think Jürgen Klopp’s men might just win 3-2.

Will both teams score goals on Saturday? New 138.com customers get 30/1 for both Arsenal and Liverpool to score!

14 Comments

  1. Good if they are afraid of Ozil and hopefully Ozil can attract their defenders to free other Arsenal players

    He is right about Liverpool’s strike force, therefore it would be exciting to see a lot of goals, regardless of the outcome. Unless if both sides opt to play safe, like the Liverpool vs Man City game

  2. Apparently we haven’t played any decent teams until this evening that is so my question is how is the premier League the best league in the world? Basically what they’re saying is apart from Liverpool, City, Chelsea and the media’s darlings Tottenham every other team is insignificant.. Liverpool beat Cardiff 4-1 and people were saying that’s a Jürgen Klopp masterclass.. City scrape past Newcastle at home people say that’s the sign of champions then when we beat anyone outside the top 4 it’s expected as they’re average at best teams it’s sometimes hard to listen to.. Liverpool haven’t won a trophy in a long time and Tottenham haven’t won a trophy other than the famous League cup win since the ice age but along with Liverpool get talked up like their European power houses! If Arsenal had any reason to be motivated today is the day.. go out and prove everyone wrong they’re certainly capable! 3-1 home win COYG ?

    1. ? COYG… I’d love nothing more than to pick up those 3 points John… been way too long since we last did! Come on Arsenal, let’s do this ?

        1. As do I admin I think we can get at them ? definitely too long Sue.. I remember the days we could barely even score against Liverpool let alone beat them from that Fowler penalty at Highbury to that mcmanaman goal and titi camara scoring the winner at Highbury in 99 they’ve had too much luck over us it’s about time we had some ?

            1. @icebox defo and Henchoz should of been sent off for that handball in the first half how we lost that game I’ll never know it still bothers me ?

  3. what better game (than today’s fixture) for leno to consolidate his position for the season as the arsenal number#1. This game i think will be about the extent these two exceptional keepers can command their defence and maintain a clean sheet. So, i don’t expect a goal fest in a fixture like this because conceding many goals is sloppy when a team (ultimately) aspires to play in european competition. let me suggest the threats from their side are salah and sturridge both have shown to be coming into form; whilst the threat from us is auba/laca but dare i suggest if ever there was a game for Ozil to turn-up then surely this is it. Prediction: arsenal elect#1 leno demonstrates great agility to spares arsenal blushes with a commanding display between the sticks.

  4. For me, if Unai doesn’t repeat last weekend’s formation then we cannot be beaten, it’s either we win or draw, with Liverpool really coming under our fire attacking prowess in the 2nd half.
    But with a repeat of that Crystal Palace formation, we’d be already slaughtered before half time

  5. If Arsenal players can put in the right commitment, desire, and urgency, that’s the main thing. We are up against a genuine title challenger, but we have form going for us, the players have been brilliant for the most part. We have it at home, hopefully the lads will make the most of that. Emery will need all his nous for this one, good luck Boss!

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