Liverpool vs Arsenal: Defensive set-up can change Anfield narrative

They don’t come much tougher than this! As sceptics continue to cast doubt on the sustainability of their current unbeaten streak, Arsenal will be keen to affirm their competitive edge on the Premier League stage this weekend when they travel to Liverpool for Saturday’s evening kick-off.

Past outings on Merseyside ought to quell any north London optimism ahead of this meeting- with the Gunners losing by at least two goals on each of their last five league trips – while Salah’s goal-scoring exploits offer an indication of the momentous challenge that awaits.

However, as fitness issues over Jordan Henderson and Andy Robertson, as well as recent dropped points threaten to derail the Anfield juggernaut, can Arsenal and their new defensive set-up change the demoralising narrative?

Aside from the issues burdening our hosts, prospects of a rare away win are further boosted by the improved technical ability of our newly-assembled backline.

Improved technical ability and a compact defensive structure can help Arsenal beat Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday

Building from the back has been a hallmark of Mikel Arteta’s philosophy since taking the helm almost two years ago, but it was only after some shrewd summer recruitment – in the form of Ramsdale, White and Tomiyasu – that the approach really began to flourish.

Adept on the ball and evidently composed even under intense pressure, the new arrivals should inspire a deviation from previous timid performances against the Reds as they will bolster our capacity to bypass Klopp’s unrelenting gegenpressers, thereby bringing our forwards into the game and providing more opportunities to expose their high defensive line.

Another tactical stratagem that may serve us well this week is the manager’s preference for the 4-4-2 formation when out of possession. Despite pleas from some quarters for a switch to three-at-the-back to suppress the Liverpool frontline, the traditional system has made us very compact and difficult to break down this season – demonstrated by our success in holding onto leads in eight of the last ten matches in all competitions.

Perhaps the extraordinary form of Salah and Alexander-Arnold on the right, coupled with either Tavares’ inexperience or potential rustiness from a returning Tierney, will prompt a re-think in defence, but everyone appears to understand their roles in the existing structure. And, considering how we have conceded only four goals since gameweek four, making drastic changes prior to a clash of this magnitude seems unnecessary and even ill-advised.

With question marks surrounding the availability of some of the hosts’ key players, alongside the possibility of being propelled into the top four for the first time this campaign, the jinx is well and truly in place for Arsenal this weekend and we must prepare ourselves for the Reds’ response following defeat to West Ham just before the international break.

However, it must be said that impressive recent form gives us a great chance in one of the domestic calendar’s most difficult fixtures, and our new spine may well provide the platform for securing a statement win.