Why a victory at Anfield is the final mountain left for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal to climb

Despite the fact that things, on the whole, are going pretty well, it feels as though Arsenal require a result to seriously spark their season into life. The Gunners are well-placed to finish towards the top of the Champions League table, while they have won seven out of eight in the Premier League.

Tuesday night's EFL Cup exit at the hands of Fleetwood Town was undeniably embarrassing, but will be consigned to history, if Mikel Arteta's team claim a victory on Sunday. 3,052 Gonners will be making the pilgrimage to Merseyside, many of whom hoping to witness something for the very first time, that being a victory at Anfield.

It is now more than 14 years since Arsenal beat Liverpool away from home, with Vito Mannone, Carl Jenkinson, Abou Diaby and Arteta himself in the most-recent lineup to achieve this; Santi Cazorla and Łukas Podolski the scorers against Brendan Rodgers' team back in September 2012.

In fact, as documented by Opta's the Analyst, Arsenal have won at every Premier League away ground they have visited since the 2012/13 season, aside from Anfield. Arteta is yet to win at the Etihad, something Arsène Wenger's team managed in 2015, while the Gunners' other least favourite venues are Old Trafford, Goodison and Stamford Bridge, but have enjoyed three victories at each of those. Quite the contrast.

Of course, Arteta's detractors use Anfield as a stick with which to beat him. That is because, during the 2021/22 season, as documented in Amazon's All or Nothing, the manager infamously blasted You'll Never Walk Alone through giant speakers during a training session, seeking to prepare his players for the intense atmosphere that awaited them. Coming soon after behind-closed-doors Covid football, this makes a bit more sense than it sounds!

Nevertheless, fair to say, this did not work, with Arsenal demolished 4-0 by Jürgen Klopp's team; Nuno Tavares putting in something of a disaster-class.

This time though feels different. The Carabao Cup aside, Arsenal have been largely impressive in recent weeks, going toe-to-toe with Bayern Munich, as well as beating Nottingham Forest and Everton either side.

With Bukayo Saka sidelined, this team certainly lacks stardust in attack, but Christos Tzolis' return would represent a massive boost. Also, given that Ezri Konsa has slotted in magnificently, Arsenal still boast the most rock-solid defence on the planet.

Before Arteta's arrival, it was 14 years since Arsenal had won a Premier League match at Old Trafford. Similarly, he brought to an end a ten year draught at Stamford Bridge and a nine year wait for a North London derby victory at White Hart Lane.

So now, with Andoni Iraola's team on the up, just six points behind in the table, now is the time for Arsenal to make a statement.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow