Liverpool welcome the current Premier League holders to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, with Arteta’s Arsenal set to provide the biggest test (that should count come the end of the season) at home for Iraloa’s men. 

The Gunners have had a strong start to their season, minus the recent League Cup embarrassment against Fleetwood, of course, but not all of their performances have matched up to their results. Can Liverpool claim all the spoils here? I think so, so let’s have a look at how they can do so, and what Arsenal bring to the table:

Set Pieces, Of Course:

Although they’ve only scored a singular set piece goal in the league so far, compared to a whopping 25 last term, it wouldn’t feel right to start an Arsenal preview without mentioning their prowess in this area. Last season I would’ve been especially worried about this, but we’ve yet to concede this type of goal up to now, and have much stronger aerial presence at the back now with Ronald Araujo’s inclusion. The Uruguayan will allow us to go 3 for 3 in terms of natural centre backs in these situations.

Wide Overloads And Half Space Runs:

What has been perhaps the primary build-up tactic employed by Arteta’s side this season, includes repeated use of the half spaces and positional rotations to open up these gaps. These plays will usually go from out to in, and can adapt based on which defenders are dragged where. If the receiver is tightly marked, space can open up on the outside. Conversely, these runs can free up central players against a less aggressive block.

In these three examples, we can see how Arsenal apply these principles to various situations. Liverpool must remain disciplined, especially in the mid block, watching any third man runs and positional rotations incredibly closely.

How They Build Up & When To Press:

Arsenal usually like to play with a 3-2-5 shape in possession. The full backs are pushed high, which helps to create the half space opportunities we just looked at. In the first line, Rice often drops in as an auxiliary centre back to provide extra options and protection.

Despite Arsenal’s strong defence, this shape isn't infallible, and smart, cleverly drilled pressing triggers can expose these vulnerabilities, as we can see below:

Brighton and Chelsea created a blueprint on how to press Arsenal in these two different areas. A strong press out wide from a goal kick can prevent them from building whatsoever, while in a mid block, using Chelsea’s pressing trigger of the passer having his back to goal could punish any lapses on the ball. 

Fragile In Transition:

If their opponents come equipped with the right gameplan, Arsenal can be hurt in transition, especially as their midfielders, while physically imposing, aren’t the quickest to recover ground. This was something Bayern used to great effect, firstly through Davies and later through Stanasic. It is useful in a wide variety of situations, from opposite flank isolation when pressed, to the defending of set pieces and even just simply the chance of a favourable ricochet. 

A key facet to making this work is the positioning of your best passers, and trying to make them the free man. Bayern did this with Harry Kane, and for Liverpool, this player would most likely be Florian Wirtz. Alexis Mac Allister could be another option too, as he is skilled at playing quick, lofted passes over a defensive line.

Narrowness Off The Ball:

Arsenal’s setup out of possession is oftentimes very narrow, which makes switches of play a key weapon against them. This can allow wingers to take on a defender 1v1, or an exceptional crosser to whip in a ball depending on the phase of play. 

Starting XI & Prediction

With everything now covered, let’s look at the potential lineup and score predictions. With this analysis in mind, I believe the winger and midfielder selections will be the most important to decide the result of this game. Pace could be one of our key weapons, and after Ryan Gravenberch’s awful performance against Chelsea, I don’t have him down as a starter here. This is the XI I can see Iraola going with, especially if Munoz is fit enough:

Alisson, Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Nyoni, Mac Allister, Munoz, Wirtz, Barcola, Isak

As for the score, I’ve matched Si’s prediction this weekend and gone for a 2-0 Liverpool win. Arsenal don’t score many goals, but I think we have the attack to hurt them where teams like Nottingham Forest and Everton couldn’t. 

Remember to fill in your predictions too, Reds. YNWA!