Arsenal v Liverpool; Premier League Match Preview
There are likely 3 matches left this season that will affect Arsenal’s placement in the table this season – United away, Spurs away and this visit by Liverpool. So there you have it, the real test on what we are begins in earnest as we look to extend our gap over the Merseysiders to 6 points.
The question as it has been recently is – which Arsenal team will show up? Is it first half Arsenal, a team devoid of any life or verve for the game in which they are participating in? Or will it be 2nd half Arsenal which looks like they could pretty much destroy – at will any opponent.
Sure, the result last week against West Ham is viewed at through the lens of who the opposition was. But upon closer examination 4 goals in 10 minutes is a feat that says the talent is there.
That’s the team that needs to take the pitch against Liverpool. Liverpool like Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs are a team that goes up and down. For a while it looked like Liverpool were once again finding a groove and gaining an edge (sound familiar) but then you see them turn in performances like they did against Oldham and you scratch your head (again does it sound familiar?)
They certainly have the talent in attack. Suarez is giving Van Persie a run for the money for Golden Boot and all the other honors this season. Liverpool acted on the first day of the January window and netted little-used Chelsea forward, Daniel Sturridge. Both over speed and a solid scoring touch and will give the CBs a handful.
The question marks for Liverpool are in the midfield and defense. The midfield led by Gerrard and solidified by the return of Lucas Leiva lacks any real creative force. While Leiva and Gerrard are rock solid sitting as a back 2 the lack of a real creative presence hurts Liverpool at times.
Then there is the defense which like ours doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence. It’s a defense that I really like the size of Olivier Giroud against. If Brendan Rodgers decides to put Carragher and Agger out I like the ability to attack the middle. Liverpool has shown throughout this that their defensive middle can get bossed by more physical domineering central forwards. Additionally, they aren’t suited to handling players who do well in the air. And while Giroud is still growing into a Premier League forward, his strength, his movement off the ball, as well as his aerial ability will give the Gunner’s ample enough opportunities.
For Arsenal’s defensive setup people will think I am crazy but I suspect Wenger may go with Koscielny over Mertesacker. Yes, Koscielny has been the basis of quite a few of the Gunner’s boneheaded mistakes this season. And people may not agree with me (or some ex-Arsenal defenders who know better) but I still think Koscielny has all the skills of a top-rated defender. When he is on (not making mistakes) his game, he reads play very well, his positional play and awareness is very good and in the box he is solid in the air. But the real reason I think a selection of is simple – the Liverpool attack is fast. We saw in the opening minutes of the Spurs game how speed took advantage of Per Mertesacker’s lack of pace. We need to be set up for a fast attack. Plus I just think Koscielny is due. (that’s just a personal thing)
So the real battle comes down to two areas – the wings and through the midfield. You expect Leiva and Gerrard to disrupt the rhythm of Wilshere and Cazorla, so the two of them will need to keep constantly moving and creating space for themselves. They need to make smart incisive runs away from the pressure and the passing to them needs to be quick and short to try and release pressure from what I expect to be a tightly packed Liverpool defensive effort.
On the wings Podolski needs to be as dedicated as he was against West Ham. His 3 assists are a testament to his passing ability and the effort he port forth to create chances for his teammate. He’ll likely be tested a little from Wisdom, but Podolski has strength to beat the Premier League debutante. As for Theo vs. Glen Johnson – I’m taking Theo all day long – especially new Theo who seems as focused as ever since signing his new deal.
We need to use the wings to our advantage. Liverpool has shown they are susceptible to defending against counterattacks. In the win against West ham it was the counterattack that made the 4 goals in 10 minutes a reality. While Liverpool are no West Ham they aren’t exactly a solid defensive unit either. Getting Liverpool spread out on the attack through the counter is going to give Arsenal the chances they need.
Putting matchups and analysis aside (it really isn’t my strong suite) Arsenal need to show the hunger and determination they have when they’ve completely outplayed the opposition. As heart wrenching as losses to City and Chelsea where – the performance in the second half of each of those games gives a modicum of cause for hope. Sure the results were not where we want to be but if you’re looking for positives there were ample enough in those matches to make some reasonable conclusions.
I still contend that the starting XI is as good as the teams above us. It’s underachieving in my opinion that has doomed this club. It is the wrong mentality and stupid, silly mistakes that have hurt us the most.
If Arsenal can cut that out, get right into a high tempo rhythm of offensive ball control and tight pressing when they don’t have it, the can dominate Liverpool. Anything reminiscent of some of the lackluster performances of this season and well it could be a very long night.
Players to watch:
Arsenal: Olivier Giroud. He may not be lighting it up with the proficiency of Robin Van Persie but he is steadily coming into his own. He continues to shine and create chances for himself and for his teammates. Arsenal need him to continue the upward trend he has been exhibiting.
Liverpool: Luis Suarez. As divisive a figure as there is in the league. Love him or hate him – he has turned it on this season and is one of the leagues in form players of the moment.
Projected Lineups:
Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Fabianski (back), Gervinho (international duty) Arteta (calf) Coquelin (hamstring)
Liverpool: Kelly (MCL)
Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Walcott 10
Liverpool: Suarez 16
Assists Leaders:
Arsenal: Podolski 9
Liverpool: Gerard 8
Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 2
Liverpool: 0
Goals For:
Arsenal (home): 2.7
Liverpool (away): 01.6
Goals Against:
Arsenal (home): 1.5
Liverpool: (away): 1.6
Last Five:
Arsenal: WLLDW
Liverpool: WLWWL
Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 19
Liverpool: 12
Match Official:
Referee: Kevin Friend. Matches 14, R1 Y46
Broadcast Information:
US: FoxSoccer Channel 2:30 PM EST
UK: Sky Sports 2 17.45 GMT
YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2
Liverpool: 2
