Liverpool vs Arsenal: 4 reasons Klopp’s men are favourite to win this battle
By Toju Sote
1) Anfield factor: Liverpool have a terrific record at Anfield. Klopp’s men have not lost in 60 games at home. This is sure to drive fear into the hearts of Arsenal fans and even manager Mikel Arteta confessed that Liverpool’s home “is the toughest place in the world to go.” Even Barcelona still have nightmares of the 4-0 Champions League comeback. Crystal Palace were the last away team to secure a victory at Anfield in the Premier league with a 2-1 victory in the 2016/2017 season. Liverpool are now within touching distance of overhauling the club’s best ever run of home games without a defeat – 63 games achieved under Sir Bob Paisley between 1978 and 1981.
2) Vengeance in the air: Arsenal defeated Liverpool 5-4 on penalties to secure the Community Shield, denying Klopp’s men another trophy. This will no doubt give some confidence to the Gunners but Liverpool no doubt will be itching to douse those flames. Though the season’s curtain raiser may be considered minute to Liverpool, the Premier league Champions will be ready to set things straight and put things in perspective as the season shifts into gear. Recall that Arsenal defeated Liverpool towards the end of last season, albeit this was after Liverpool had already won the title. This would be the right time for Liverpool to lay an early season marker that they want to retain the league title.
3) Better attack: This is probably an obvious factor but yes Liverpool have the better firepower upfront boasting of two Golden Boot winners Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane. Salah, Mane and Aubameyang were the joint Golden Boot winners of the 2018/2019 season. To be fair, Lacazette is also a heavy hitter but Roberto Firmino more than makes up for that.
4) Better Head-To-Head Stats: A total of 162 goals have been scored in the last 56 games between the two sides. With Liverpool leading the head-to-head with 21 wins to Arsenal’s 16. Robert Firmino has scored more goals for Liverpool against Arsenal than he has done against any other team and new boy Thiago Alcantara scored two goals for Bayern against Arsenal. Fernando Torres was the last player to score back to back hatttricks for Liverpool but Salah could break that record today.
