This weekend, league leaders Arsenal welcome struggling Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.
The Gunners will be looking to maintain their impressive start to the season with a win, while Liverpool are still looking to get their campaign up-and-running.
This one’s set to be a cracker, so here’s how things are shaping up ahead of the big game!
NLD Delight
High-flying Arsenal head into this one off the back of a huge win over North London rivals Tottenham. A 3-1 victory against their arch enemies kept the Gunners strong start to the season going. They remain top of the league on 21 points, one ahead of champions Manchester City in 2nd.
After defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, all the talk was around how Arsenal would respond to their first set-back. The answer: emphatically. The Gunners put any doubts to bed when they brushed aside Brentford 0-3.
Next up was the derby and once again, Arsenal looked good. Their opening goal, a screamer from Thomas Partey from 25 yards out, sent the Emirates Stadium ballistic.
Harry Kane equalised from the penalty spot 10 minutes later, but Arsenal’s lead was soon was restored when Gabriel Jesus poked home from close range.
Things got worse for Spurs when Emerson Royal was sent off for a late challenge on Martinelli, and to rub salt into the wounds, Granit Xhaka bagged the third not long after. The points and the bragging rights went to the Red half of North London.
Lacklustre Liverpool
Liverpool’s rocky start to the season continued last weekend after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Brighton at Anfield.
The Reds currently sit 9th in the Premier League table, already 10 points behind current champions City and 11 behind leaders Arsenal. It’s a disappointing start when you consider their high standards, with many predicting they would be leading the title charge this season.
Jürgen Klopp has been vocal about his sides poor form, particularly their slow starts in games, and this was the case yet again, as the home side found themselves two goals down after 17 minutes via a Leandro Trossard brace.
Roberto Firmino bagged a brace of his own either side of half time to bring the scores level, before an Adam Webster own goal gave Liverpool the lead.
But then, seven minutes from time, Trossard completed his hat-trick, with Liverpool ruing yet more dropped points. They’ve got a difficult road ahead if they want to get back in the title race, but there’s a long way to go and victory over the current leaders on Sunday would be a huge step in the right direction.
Head-To-Head
Liverpool have got the better of Arsenal in recent fixtures, beating them and keeping a clean sheet in the last three meetings. Arsenal haven’t beaten Liverpool in the league since July 2020.
In the same fixture last season, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino each scored to secure all three points for the Reds as they hunted down City in the title race.
Jürgen Klopp’s side were seeking an unprecedented quadruple, which could explain their sluggish start to this campaign. Are they burnt out?
JD Predicts
Lots has been said about Trent Alexander-Arnold and his struggles defensively this season, with Sunday presenting another tough task for the England full-back in the form of Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal have been in good form in front of goal, with Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka among the goals of late, with support from the likes of Martin Ødegaard and Thomas Partey. Liverpool have been leaky defensively, so Arsenal will fancy themselves to score.
That being said, Liverpool have a formidable attacking line-up of their own, with Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah upfront. We think this will be a high-scoring affair, so our prediction is a 3-2 Arsenal win.
How do you think the game will play out? Let us know and make sure you stay locked into @JDFootball on the socials for all the latest!
