3 talking points ahead of Liverpool vs Arsenal

Arsenal travel to face title rivals Liverpool this afternoon for what could be a huge matchup early on in the Premier League season.

The Gunners eased to victory in their last outing, thumping Leeds 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Viktor Gyokeres opened his account for his new side with a brace while Jurrien Timber also netted twice with Bukayo Saka another name on the scoresheet.

This won't be an easy test for Mikel Arteta's side, but the same will go for Liverpool. With ambitions for the season at potential risk in this game (yes, this early), there are three key talking points as Arsenal go head to head with the champions at Anfield.

1. Sending a statement

Arsenal's clash at Liverpool offers Arteta and his side the perfect opportunity to send a huge message to their rivals and doubters just three games into the season.

A victory at Anfield would be simply brilliant for the Gunners and would show every team throughout the league that they are not going to mess about this year. They have previously stumbled in matchups with fellow title contenders, but if they can take three points from Merseyside, it will send a serious statement that they are a different side to previous seasons.

The north Londoners also boast an impressive record against 'big six' sides heading into this tie, having gone unbeaten in their last 22 games against their rivals. An extension of that feat would also show that Arsenal are one of the league's biggest names and won't back down so easily to their counterparts.

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