Liverpool vs. Arsenal: Key Tactical Battles in a Premier League Showdown

The Premier League`s top two teams from last season, widely tipped to contend for the title again, are set to clash at Anfield this Sunday. This highly anticipated encounter between Liverpool and Arsenal marks the first major spectacle of the new campaign. While unlikely to single-handedly determine the title winner, the outcome of this match could significantly influence the trajectory for both clubs in the coming months.

Mikel Arteta leads his Arsenal squad into this fixture boasting a strong recent record against Liverpool, having avoided defeat in the Premier League against them since March 2022. However, it`s been a considerable period since Arteta himself experienced a top-flight victory at Anfield, with his last triumph there dating back to September 2012, when he played for Arsene Wenger`s team in a 2-0 win.

Both teams aim for a perfect start, seeking their third consecutive win of the season. Arne Slot`s Liverpool faces defensive concerns, having allowed six goals in their league and Community Shield fixtures. Conversely, Liverpool`s offense appears potent and is expected to severely test Arsenal`s backline. The following are some pivotal challenges both managers will confront in preparation for this significant match:

1. The Challenge of Containing Mohamed Salah

Neutralizing Mohamed Salah at his peak seems an almost impossible task, yet Arsenal has perhaps come closest to achieving it in recent seasons. Despite Salah`s ability to conjure moments of magic against title contenders, Mikel Arteta`s defense, when performing well, has largely managed to limit his impact to sporadic opportunities.

Arsenal`s strategy for Salah is quite clear: when he cuts inside from the right wing onto his dominant right foot, they aim to deploy a left-back who is also comfortable defending with their right foot. This ideal defender would also be capable of tracking overlapping runs or Salah`s charges down the touchline. Takehiro Tomiyasu originally filled this specialized role, and if fully fit, would likely be a primary choice for such matchups. Jurrien Timber, considered Arsenal`s strongest defensive fullback, performed admirably for 76 minutes in their last encounter at the Emirates. However, Salah found an equalizer just five minutes later, a goal that arguably derailed Arsenal`s title aspirations.

If Mikel Arteta had a full complement of players, he might have been inclined to position Timber at left-back once more. Yet, this is Arsenal, and a fully fit squad has been a rarity for over a year. The absence of Ben White, a resilient defender capable of playing through injuries, leaves only one natural right-back option. Consequently, either Riccardo Calafiori or Myles Lewis-Skelly will likely be assigned the crucial task of marking Salah.

Lewis-Skelly demonstrated some effectiveness in this role late last season, though he faced a Salah who, by then, had largely achieved his objectives for the 2024-25 campaign. Nevertheless, Lewis-Skelly`s impressive defensive record for an 18-year-old is notable; entrusting a teenager with containing England`s premier attacker could paradoxically be Arteta`s most cautious decision.

It`s not that Calafiori lacks defensive capability, but rather that his role at Arsenal often involves expansive, marauding runs, embodying a level of unpredictability where a long-range goal against Manchester City wouldn`t be surprising. The question remains: can he restrain his attacking instincts for this crucial defensive assignment? And should he?

2. Wirtz`s Role in Neutralizing Zubimendi

It`s unusual for coaches to openly discuss how an opposing player might fit into their own squad, even more so when that player famously rejected them just over a year prior. However, Arne Slot makes no secret of his past interest in Martin Zubimendi. The football world was well aware that Liverpool intended Zubimendi to be a pivotal signing for their new manager`s inaugural season, only for the deal to falter as Arsenal later expressed their interest.

Slot elaborated on his admiration for Zubimendi, stating, “We valued his exceptional ball control and profound understanding of the game. Our belief, which has proven true, was that we would dominate possession in every match, and having a defensively robust player who is also composed on the ball protecting our backline would have been an ideal fit. He`s now demonstrating his suitability for the league, just as we anticipated.”

While Slot acknowledged that Liverpool ultimately found similar qualities in Ryan Gravenberch, the team will now confront Zubimendi, a truly exceptional talent capable of dictating the pace and control of a match from midfield. If Arteta deploys Zubimendi alongside Declan Rice in the double pivot system he has trialed this season, Arsenal could gain a significant advantage in midfield against Gravenberch and the recently fit-again Alexis Mac Allister.

Liverpool`s deeper midfielders will require assistance, and Florian Wirtz might be the player to provide it. The ex-Bayer Leverkusen star has yet to fully impose himself in possession in the Premier League but has quickly embraced Slot`s off-ball demands. Wirtz, a diligent presser, averages a recovery in the attacking third roughly every 50 minutes (though this is based on a limited sample). He will need to amplify this defensive contribution. Arsenal will undoubtedly seek to stifle the atmosphere at Anfield, a venue known for its intensity. Sustained periods of controlled possession would serve this purpose, but one or two crucial ball recoveries by Wirtz in advanced positions could ignite the Kop.

3. A Prime Opportunity for Noni Madueke?

Noni Madueke`s £50 million transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal this summer was met with considerable fan frustration, a reaction rarely seen for such a significant signing. Online petitions gathered thousands of signatures, and calls for Arteta`s dismissal appeared as graffiti outside the Emirates, highlighting how transfer discourse can sometimes skew fan perception. This intense reaction was particularly surprising given Madueke`s potential to resolve several squad challenges. He has already demonstrated his ability to offer a different dynamic on the left wing – a left-footed, cross-focused alternative to Gabriel Martinelli. This match could now see him deployed on his preferred right flank.

During Liverpool`s last visit to the Emirates, Arsenal rushed Bukayo Saka back into action. He scored an early goal but struggled with a muscle issue, eventually suffering a significant hamstring injury two months later. With Saka sidelined this weekend after limping off against Leeds, Arsenal will be hoping Madueke can step up and provide a crucial performance.

Last season, the 23-year-old Madueke showcased his talent against Trent Alexander-Arnold while playing for Chelsea on the left. Now, he`ll likely relish the opportunity to face Milos Kerkez, who, despite being Liverpool`s more reserved new fullback, is still keen to push forward. Madueke`s directness and speed are perfectly suited to exploit the defensive gaps behind the champions` backline, areas that Bournemouth and Newcastle have previously exploited effectively. This fixture could be a pivotal moment for Madueke to win over his Arsenal doubters.