Liverpool vs Arsenal: The duo set for their most violent test

When has going to Anfield ever been fun for Arsenal? Two points in the previous eight Premier League encounters makes for horrific viewing, a feeling that is normally felt from minute one to minute 90.

This is a team that in beating Manchester United at Old Trafford a year ago tasted their first victory away at a ‘big six’ side in 29 matches. That was an indescribably arduous and painful spell lasting nearly six years.

Anfield has played its part in that. Whether it’s being torn to shreds in the opening 20 minutes or scoring early and then being pummeled from thereon in, Arsenal and the red half of Merseyside is rarely even contest.

In and among all of those torrid performances has been a fair share of defensive calamities. Horror showings collectively and from individuals that sit on the cusp of incandescence and howling with laughter. You wanted to scream at David Luiz, but it was so bad you almost couldn’t help but giggle.

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Benjamin White and Gabriel are set for their most violent test against Mohamed Salah and co at Anfield

Are supporters in line for not only a changing of the guard, but perhaps some actual guarding of the goal?

There has rarely been as much faith in a pair of central defenders at Arsenal than there is in both Benjamin White and Gabriel. Starved of centre-backs who aren’t the source of endless ridicule in social circles or on group chats, these two are forming a bond together that encapsulates everything Arsenal haven’t had in a defensive duo for a frightening number of years.

Brought in with a specific purpose of providing a platform for Arsenal to push higher up the pitch, play out from the back confidently and progress the ball from deep, some of their more notable attributes over this recent run has been the strength of their defending.

Qualms over White‘s aerial prowess were quickly dispelled, and Gabriel’s previous rashness on and off the ball has been gradually weaned out of his game: he’s only received one yellow card this season and committed just seven fouls.

These two love defending – as revealed in Aaron Ramsdale’s hilarious anecdote – and their communication has been evident in some exceptional rearguard performances where Arsenal have been under severe pressure. Having two archetypal modern central defenders who are both at a good age is something unheard of. Fans are being spoiled.

But they haven’t come up against Liverpool yet – and it will be violent. This is an attack and a team that can punish anyone. On only one occasion this season have they scored fewer than two goals in a match, and while they only accrued one point from their past two Premier League matches, they still scored four goals in the process.

White and Gabriel can still both have strong performances on Saturday and concede goals. There is no shame in conceding to this team, but what is important for the pair is how they react to any setbacks: how disciplined can they stay? Will they overstretch as a result? Can they remain vigilant? Can they keep communicating with one another?

Any central defender in world football is going to see facing the best player in the world (and his pals) at Anfield as the biggest test of their credentials. While we’ve waxed lyrical about this partnership and the steel they’ve shown, there will be no greater examination of their talents than what transpires on Merseyside, even if, thankfully, Salah isn’t in the opposition team each week.

It’s not just tracking the movements of the ever interchanging Reds, it’s also standing tall in the box against the imposing frames of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip. All of that, in that environment, is what players like Gabriel and White should be relishing.

They’re a confident pair and, for the first time in years, fans are confident in them.