Arsenal vs Liverpool: 4 key tactical requirements vs Klopp’s side

Arsenal take on Liverpool in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Thursday and the small matter of a place at Wembley is at stake on February 24.

Amid all the chaos that has taken place since the first leg, the fact that a trophy could be just 180 minutes away from being held aloft by Alexandre Lacazette has felt somewhat lost.

This is the only piece of silverware Arsenal have left to gun for this season after their embarrassing FA Cup third round exit. Unless, of course, we’re back to seeing a top four spot in the league as a trophy.

For this particular campaign, a return to the Champions League via the Premier League might be seen as such. It would solidify the framework to the ‘process’ being undertaken.

Arsenal vs Liverpool: 4 key tactical requirements vs Jurgen Klopp’s side in Carabao Cup semi-final second leg

Going a man down at Anfield and holding on for a battling 0-0 draw sets this one up as one-game shot at the final. There are no away goals with extra-time and penalties on the cards depending on the outcome after 90 minutes, and as much as Jurgen Klopp’s side might be the superior side overall, it’s anyone’s game in a one-off tie.

As desperately poor as Arsenal have been for large stretches of Mikel Arteta’s tenure, this is the third semi-final he’s led the club to during his tenure. There is real belief that this can lead to another final. Especially at what will be a raucous Emirates Stadium.

With players returning from injuries and Covid absences he finds his squad in better shape than it was at Anfield, although the lack of central midfielders could prove to be the Gunners’ downfall. It’s set to be Albert Sambi Lokonga and a makeshift option for this one.

Can Arsenal do it? Absolutely they can. Liverpool are to be feared, as always, but if they nail a few components of this match then Arsenal can pencil in Wembley next month.

1. Frustrate Liverpool in Possession

As with all tactical pointers ahead of facing Liverpool, they’re easier said than done.

Klopp’s side can be guilty of losing their bearings when they’re starved of possession, with their usual dominance in any fixture part and parcel of their play. Even on the occasions where the ball is not in their control, the devastating fury with which they press seeks to quickly rectify that.

Patience is an essential tool against this opposition. Liverpool seek to force their opponents into rash decisions, or shift the play towards those who they deem less progressive and technically secure on the ball.

While there is a fine balance to Liverpool’s play, it is also somewhat chaotic. If the tempo of the match is slowed down in the right areas it can frustrate them and catch them napping. Arsenal have to play with their usual pace and energy but when the ball is at the back they have to lure the Reds into a false sense of security.

Such an approach is risky. These traps invite turnovers in dangerous areas. But it’s risk with huge reward; Liverpool demand speed at all points, thus maintaining possession and frustrating them before springing into action is one way to catch them off guard.

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