Arsenal faced another big test of their title credentials on Sunday afternoon when they faced off against Liverpool at the Emirates. Victory would see the Gunners return to the top of the Premier League table and they would continue as one of the form teams in the division.
While in contrast, the Reds had struggled, Mikel Arteta has played down their poor form going into the clash. He said: "I'm not here to judge what Liverpool are, I'm here to talk about what we've are. I think what they've done in the last five years doesn't need any presentation, it's clear that they've been up there in every single competition for the last five years, so credit for what they've done."
One of the key battles isolated for the game is that of Gabriel Martinelli against Trent-Alexander-Arnold on the flanks. The pair, much like their respective clubs, have had differing form, with the former enjoying a good start to the campaign while the latter has been under fire of late.
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One of the particular areas of concern directed towards the England international was his defensive ability. Despite being a right-back, his positional play is usually further up the pitch and using his passing ability to open up the opposition, but when he drops deeper there have been struggles.
Despite that, former Arsenal player Paul Merson backed him to cause more issues than Martinelli, saying on Sky Sports: "I expect any winger if they get plenty of time to run at a defender to cause major problems - I don’t care if you’re Maldini. They will try and isolate him, they will try and isolate him and that’s where problems will come.
"I still think Trent Alexander comes forward, with that much talent he’s the best passer of the ball in English football, in my eyes, you need to get him forward and have Martinelli coming back. You can’t leave a right-back to their own devices and let him go and say ‘I’ll hurt you more’ I don’t think that can happen, I think Trent Alexander hurts you more."
It didn't take long for Martinelli to be the one causing problems, however, finding space beyond the right-back to score in the first minute of play. He then got the better of Alexander-Arnold again, grabbing an assist for the second Arsenal goal in the game too.
It continues his ideal run of form at the start of the campaign and will keep his confidence levels high as he eyes a place in the Brazil side at the World Cup later this year.
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