On fire Arsenal, Liverpool clash at Emirates

Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal (7-1-1) have been outstanding since their opening day defeat to Aston Villa, with summer signing Mesut Ozil inspiring a terrific run of results and some sensational football. Despite being knocked out of the League Cup by Chelsea in midweek, Wenger believes his squad have shown enough depth of quality to sustain a […]

Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal (7-1-1) have been outstanding since their opening day defeat to Aston Villa, with summer signing Mesut Ozil inspiring a terrific run of results and some sensational football. Despite being knocked out of the League Cup by Chelsea in midweek, Wenger believes his squad have shown enough depth of quality to sustain a title challenge all season.
“It would have been better to win,” said Wenger after the 2-0 home defeat. “It’s difficult, but that’s part of the season. We know the games. We have to respond well against Liverpool. We are in a strong position in the league and have a good opportunity at home, and we have to turn this round.
“Let’s not reach a conclusion too quickly. I think if you take the points we have since January, it’s more than everybody else.”
Liverpool (6-2-1) are flying high in the table, inspired by the potent strike duo of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. Only Saturday’s hosts (20) and Manchester City (21) have scored more goals than Liverpool’s 17 this season, but manager Brendan Rodgers this week played down his team’s title credentials.
“Liverpool is about winning trophies and that expectancy is always here. I believe we are in a good place at the moment, but it will take time,” said Rodgers. “Arsenal are a top team and the competition this year is very close. But I believe we are in a good moment having started this season as we would have wanted.
“We have started strongly, have put a marker down showing we are going to be consistent and I think we can only get better from here. We have a lot of young players who are still developing, and that goes for the front two that everyone is talking about. That bodes well for us but we won’t get carried away. They must keep their concentration and continue to work very hard every day on the training field. That is what has brought us success over a period, not just this early part of the season but since the turn of the year.”
The Gunners took four points off Liverpool last season, winning 2-0 at Anfield and coming from two goals down to draw at the Emirates. Arsenal have lost just one of their last 11 games against Liverpool in all competitions, but Rodgers’ side haven’t lost any of their last three trips to the north London ground – winning once and drawing twice.