3 key battles that could decide Arsenal vs Liverpool

Walk on, and savour that unfamiliar hope in your heart.

While the recent history of their cross-city rivalry reads significantly better for Jurgen Klopp and his Anfield juggernaut, Arsenal will be hopeful they can finally shift the balance of power on Sunday when they welcome an out-of-sorts Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium.

North London derby success and another three points in Europe mean spirits at N5 continue to soar, and a long-overdue win against our vulnerable visitors may provide the sparkle required to underline the club’s much-scrutinised Premier League credentials.

3 key battles to look out for as Arsenal take on Liverpool in the Premier League

Music to Mikel Arteta’s ears no doubt, although perhaps not of the Merseyside variety that reverberated around London Colney last season. Clashes with the Reds are always difficult – even under current circumstances – and there will be several intriguing on-field contests this weekend that may well decide the outcome of the game. Here are three particular battles that might be worth keeping an eye on.

Battle #1: Gabriel Jesus vs Thiago Alcantara

They hardly invoke memories of the cut-throat flashpoints typical of the Keane/Vieira era, but Gabriel Jesus and Thiago are nevertheless central to their respective sides’ progressive intentions and will have a great influence on whatever unfolds at the weekend.

Liverpool rely heavily on Thiago’s technical quality and positional discipline in their efforts to both maintain compactness and build from the back. Therefore, the Spaniard’s four-week injury layoff in August and subsequently erratic game-time bears partial responsibility for the Reds’ alarming domestic struggles this term.

To restrict his involvement in the match is to severely hamper the away side’s prospects of victory, and Gabriel Jesus will play a crucial role in making sure that happens. The summer arrival is a tenacious customer with invaluable defensive instincts, and he can use his irrepressible style to disrupt Thiago’s rhythm at the base of midfield.

Relentless pressure from the front should also cause the Liverpool collective to become disjointed and might even lead to turnovers in advanced areas, which may spark heightened offensive activity for Arsenal against a hitherto-suspect Reds’ backline.

Two players at the top of their game. It promises to be a fascinating watch.

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