Liverpool must beat Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday to keep their Premier League title challenge credible. The Gunners arrive second in the table, but their dismal record on Merseyside presents a major hurdle for Mikel Arteta's side.
Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League with 15 points from eight games, six points behind leaders Manchester City. Their record of four wins, three draws and one loss leaves them with a goal difference of plus three, having scored 11 and conceded eight. They are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, a run that includes a 2-0 win over Brighton and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend. Alexander Isak, their top scorer with six goals in seven appearances this season, found the net against Brighton and will be central to their hopes. This strong recent form of four wins and a draw in their last five league games provides a solid platform for the key clash.
Arsenal's Anfield struggles
Arsenal have not won a league game at Anfield since 2012. They are winless in their last 13 Premier League visits, drawing five and losing eight. Historically, they have managed just six victories in 34 trips to Liverpool's home. Their current winless run matches their longest ever at Anfield, set between 1975 and 1988. Arteta was an Arsenal player the last time they won there.
Recent form and key players
While Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six league games and have conceded the fewest goals in the division, Liverpool's form has been strong. They have kept four clean sheets in their last six league outings and shut out Arsenal in both meetings last season. Isak's form is a bright spot, with only Manchester City's Erling Haaland having scored more Premier League goals this season. Liverpool's recent fixtures show a team gathering momentum, with victories over Brentford and Lask Linz preceding the win against Brighton and the draw with Chelsea.
Andoni Iraola, who oversaw Bournemouth, has beaten Arteta three times in their last four managerial meetings. Liverpool lost their only other heavyweight home clash this season, a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on 11 October. A victory on Sunday is essential not only for points but for psychological momentum in the title race. The match kicks off at Anfield on Sunday 1 November.
First reported at Hindustan Times Sports
