Arsenal are arguably going into a match against Liverpool as favourites. It wouldn't be going over the top to suggest that Mikel Arteta's side, with seven wins from eight in the league and sitting top of the table, are playing better and in a much more confident mood than last season's runners-up.
Jurgen Klopp's side have won just two games this term, drawing four, half of their 18 goals came in one match, and a crushing Champions League loss in their too has made for an uncomfortable start to the season. With issues cropping up, there couldn't be more of a difference between the two sides heading into the match.
Albeit with two European matches to be played before they meet, this is Arsenal's best chance of getting a result against their historic rivals for years. They haven't beaten the Reds in the league since July 2020, and that's the only time in the 13 matches against Klopp that the Gunners have come out on top in the league.
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In the last four seasons, Liverpool have won the league, finished second twice - losing out by one point on both occasions - played in two Champions League finals and won one. Arsenal hasn't been able to get close to them in the table or on the pitch, losing 14-3 on aggregate in the league since 2020. Arteta hasn't seen his team score in six matches vs Liverpool in all competitions.
There has been a gap between them that was bridged this summer, and now Arsenal are 11 points clear with just eight matches played. Although beating Liverpool may not be the same statement, it could have been had Klopp's side been in full flow. It would demonstrate the direction of both teams at this early stage. A loss for Liverpool could be more damaging to them than a win would be promising for Arsenal.
The match is far from sealed, though; turning up and doing a job on a wounded beast is tough, but given the attention that Arteta drew earlier this year for his plan to prepare his players for a trip to Anfield, revenge in these circumstances would be sweet.
In the All or Nothing Amazon documentary, Arteta was seen using unorthodox methods to help his side overcome the Anfield atmosphere. In a session, the Spanish manager arranged for speakers to play You'll Never Walk Alone in order to distract and put off players. The move backfired, and Arsenal lost 4-0 on the night.
Arteta's need to prepare his team on an emotional and mental level for the game highlighted where the Gunners were in respect to their opponents. When Liverpool visit the Emirates, the tables will have turned, and that itself is enough proof of how far Arsenal have come. How far they can go may well rest on overcoming Klopp's side.
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