So how do we beat them?
I thought I was watching a retelling of a classic Arthur Conan Doyle tale, entitled “The Mystery of the Phantom Penalty” last weekend. But, I shall not dwell on that. We put four past a team that had beaten us three times in a row in the last two seasons. But does last week’s performance show progress made by the Reds under Brendan Rodgers? I disagree. I believe the entire season shows progress made under Brendan Rodgers. But we are far from the finished item. Our journey to the Emirates stadium is going to be our toughest test of the season so far. I don’t think anyone can doubt that Arsenal are the form team of the season in the BPL. It is amazing how a single acquisition can change a team and their fans. Pre-Ozil, the Gooners wanted Wenger gone. Post-Ozil, he is the best manager of all time. But he will have his work cut out for him on Saturday when the mighty Reds come to town.
The matches in the past between Arsenal and Liverpool have always been existing affairs. I think back to the Arshavin match that cost us the league title in my opinion, and my nostrils flair. And they flair wider when I think of the summer. The audacity of Wenger. 40 million and 1 pound, less we forget. Yes, fellow Reds, this is the most important match of the season for me. And I think we will win. Here is why – Arsenal will be without Flamini. Their holding midfield options are limited to perhaps Abu Diaby or Jack Wilshere in a deeper roll. Add the potential return of Coutinho and that space just in front of their defence should be ours. Arsenal’s defence is dodgy to start with. Mertesacker is slow and Koscielny is prone to some mistimed tackling. The pace and skill of both Sturridge and Suarez will give them both nightmares in the game. Arsenal’s primary attacking threat this season has been from Ramsey, Ozil and Giroud. In order for Liverpool to nullify this threat, we need to make sure Giroud does not get supply from Ozil and Ramsey. This means our defensive midfield pairing need to put in a shift. Personally, I do not want to see Gerrard or Lucas in the oppositions half of the field for any reason. We should play a counter attacking game. We have the pace of Johnson, Suarez, Sturridge and (hopefully) Enrique. We do not need Lucas and Gerrard being too adventurous. My starting line up would be, the same back three in Toure, Skrtel and Sakho. I hope Enrique returns in the left wing back position with Johnson filling the role on the right. Lucas and Gerrard sitting deep with Coutinho pulling the strings behind Suarez and Sturridge.
And our competitors…
Chelsea travel to Newcastle this weekend. And I actually think Newcastle will come away with something from this match. Chelsea have not been convincing for me this season at all. They were lucky to get all three points against Manchester City on the weekend and to get past Arsenal mid week. Newcastle will be upset about the loss to Sunderland and will be looking to respond as soon as possible. I see the Magpies getting a point at least from this match. Manchester United travel to Fulham. Manchester United made tough work of beating Stoke last weekend, but should be able to leave London with the three points. Manchester City should beat Norwich with ease and Everton host Tottenham Hotspur. An interesting match. Everton did very well to beat Aston Villa last week, but I see Martinez being defensive when the London Club arrives. A draw is my thinking.