Liverpool a true test of Arsenal’s Premier League credentials

Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates in what is a true test of the north Londoner’s newfound title belief.

So far this season, everyone is waiting for the “old Arsenal” to reappear. Against Manchester United, Arsenal was by far the better side but ultimately lost trying to chase a game they should have been winning.

The Gunners then swept aside a poor Tottenham side last weekend 3-1 to put a rubber stamp on their impressive early-season form.

But games against Manchester United and Tottenham do not tell us much about Arteta’s Arsenal. They beat both last season, so it is not precisely an accurate indicator of where the club is at.

Liverpool, however, is a different proposition altogether. While Jurgen Klopp’s side has not been their usual selves this campaign, they are still a side that can tear teams apart when it all falls right.

This is a true test of where Arsenal is at.

The general consensus regarding Arsenal is that they are destined for the top four after their blazing start. We know that as a club, that is a minimum given the summer investment, but a title challenge? Cool the jets.

But what is rather curious is that should Arsenal manage to defeat Liverpool, the narrative around the north London club will shift dramatically, not to mention that it will, in all likelihood, end Liverpool’s title hopes before it even began.

A win on Sunday for Arsenal would take them a whopping 14 points clear of the Reds after just 10 games.

There wasn’t much to gain from winning against United and Spurs aside from bragging rights, as most do not consider the two “threats for the title,” but Liverpool, having been a staple in the top two for the last few years, are one of the big boys.

A win on Sunday would lay down a marker on the season and send a message to the rest of the football world that Arsenal needs to be taken seriously.

At home, in front of a raucous crowd and in good form, while Liverpool is up and down, present the Gunners with perhaps their best opportunity to slay Jurgen Klopp’s men.

However, as the saying goes, “beware the wounded animal.” For Liverpool, despite not being in the supreme form they usually exhibit, they are still Liverpool, and it will take a huge effort to get a positive result.

Lose, and many will say, “Arsenal are exactly who we thought they were, not good enough,” but win, and that Premier League title conversation will have another team in the mix.

There is a lot at stake for Arsenal, and it is a chance to announce themselves to the footballing world.