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Arsenal Vs Liverpool: 5 key players to watch – Granit Xhaka’s test

By Andrew Dowdeswell

Arsenal, Granit Xhaka (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Arsenal, Granit Xhaka (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Granit Xhaka
Arsenal, Granit Xhaka (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

On Wednesday night, Arsenal host Liverpool as they look to bounce back from the weekend’s North London Derby defeat. Here are five key players to watch.

On Wednesday night, Arsenal face the daunting prospect of hosting the Premier League champions, Liverpool. The Reds have sauntered to the title and are now chasing Manchester City’s points record. The Gunners, meanwhile, are facing a tough challenge to even qualify for the Europa League after their North London Derby defeat on Sunday afternoon. They have to win and hope that other results go their way.

Here are five key players to watch.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JUNE 25: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal controls the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at St Mary’s Stadium on June 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JUNE 25: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal controls the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at St Mary’s Stadium on June 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

5. Kieran Tierney

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are the best full-back pairing in world football. They have been for several years, the entire Liverpool system worked through the offensive athleticism and creativity of the duo in wide areas. That is the standard that Arsenal’s full-backs much reach, including new signing, Kieran Tierney.

Tierney arrived at Arsenal with a high pedigree. Celtic’s captain, a multi-SPL winner, a Scottish international, rivalling Robertson for the starting role for the starting left-back role, there were tentative suggestions that he could compete for the title of the best left-back in the Premier League.

Because of injuries, that has not yet transpired. However, in recent weeks, Tierney has played with an aggression, commitment and quality that suggest he is capable of becoming one of the premier players at the position in future years. Now he will be competing against the very best. Can he hold up?