Arsenal vs Liverpool: 5 key players in ultimate test of metal

Arsenal limped through a draw against Brighton and will not have to face down unbeaten Liverpool. Here are five key players for the match.

It’s bound to be the toughest match-up of the season for Arsenal, and it’s coming at one of the worst possible times. Here we are in the midst of a hectic holiday period with injuries rattling the fabric of the club, and we will have to travel to Anfield to take on still-unbeaten Liverpool, who are starting to fancy themselves as the next Invincibles.

The Gunners stood strong when the Reds visited the Emirates, pulling out a 1-1 draw in the face of fierce doubts. No one gave them a chance in the world to take any points, and they are repeating this notion as the trip to Anfield looms.

It won’t be easy to pull any points from this one, not least of all because of the aforementioned injuries. That said, if there was ever to be an added impetus to win what many are calling an unwinnable match, wouldn’t that impetus be rather escalated given the nature of the undefeated Reds? The Gunners can secure their Invincible season as the greatest season ever if they can deal Liverpool one simple defeat.

Of course there is nothing simple about it, but you get my drift. Speaking of how not easy it will be, let’s talk about the crucial players to making this match a success, no matter where on the sliding scale of success it falls.

We will start with crucial player No. 5.

5. Lucas Torreira

Some part of me believes that Lucas Torreira has been saving up all of his spare energy for this match. The last couple of matches have seen him be effective, but not altogether dominant like we have grown used to seeing. And, like I said, I want to believe that the threat of a fifth yellow card has tempered his drive a bit.

That will ideally change against Liverpool, where another yellow would simply mean he misses Fulham, and I don’t think we are going to be too worked up about that.

Torreira has the power to highly impact the battle of the midfields, as he did to great effect in the reverse fixture. Doing it at Anfield, however, is a much different ball game.

Moving on to No. 4.