The clash of the two current Premier League favourites is here! Fate has been quite cruel to Arsenal this season at the beginning of the season. After the start at Old Trafford, where the Gunners happily won 1:0, and then the paper-light home game against Leeds, in which Arsenal overcame the newcomer with a 5:0 result, the charges are waiting for Mikel Arteta's a trip to the unpopular Anfield. The last time Arsenal won at Liverpool in England's top competition was almost 13 years ago, on September 2, 2012. Since then, however, Arsenal have not taken three points from Anfield in a league match even once. Will the Gunners be able to break this unflattering record on Sunday? Personally, I believe it will work this time. Let's take a look together not only at the reasons why I believe so, but also at other relevant facts about the game.
Form
We've still got the Premier League to play not enough matches to write about the form as such. On the other hand, after two rounds of competition, you can see a lot from the game and the team's results.
Arsenal
Although Liverpool will be playing at home on Sunday, I'll start with Arsenal's rating. As I mentioned in my last blog, the Gunners' performance at Old Trafford remained far below expectations. At the time, I attributed the weaker performance largely to the weight of the moment and the pressure to have a good start to the season. Despite the unconvincing play, the Arsenal take all three points from Manchester after a slender 1-0 win. Next up was a home game against newcomer Leeds. There was nowhere to go from there. Fortunately, after a slower start to the game, we finally saw the Arsenal we want to see week in week out. Dominant on the ball, dangerous not only from standard situations, but also from play and, most importantly, goal-scoring potent.
A significant blemish on a good performance and a comfortable 5:0 victory was injuries to Bukay Saka and Martin Ødegaard. The English winger will miss Arsenal for about 3 to 4 weeks, but there is a chance that the Norwegian playmaker will be ready for the game against Liverpool. So what to take from the Gunners' first two games? I would definitely he singled out two clean accounts in the first placewhich is not only the fault of the defence, but also of David Raya. I would also like to to mention the enormous variability and unpredictability that Arsenal now possess. Either in terms of the game or the squad. There are many options how the Spanish manager can influence the game during the match. Compared to previous seasons, Arsenal have taken a huge step forward.
Liverpool
Liverpool also entered the new league season with two wins. Arne Slote's charges first defeated Bournemouth 4:2 at home and then brought after a 3:2 win, very valuable points from the hot ground at St James’ Park. Despite seven goals and six points, Liverpool should be wary. Four goals conceded from two games is not the best card for a defence that has been one of the most reliable in previous seasons. At the same time, it is also worth mentioning that Liverpool led 2-0 in both games and still allowed their opponents to draw 2-2. In the match against Newcastle, they even lost a two-goal lead when their opponent was playing shorthanded. The Reds scored three points when in the set time youngster Rio Ngumohawho also became the fourth-youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.
Liverpool undoubtedly have great quality and experience, but the first two games of the season didn't convince me that the Dutch manager's squad is in the best possible frame of mind. This is one of the main reasons why I believe Arsenal will take all three points from Anfield after almost thirteen years.
Team and expected line-up
When all indications were that after the arrival of Eberechi Eze Arsenal will not continue to strengthen in the summer, so information has started to emerge that the North London club is keen on another interesting name. According to reputable sources, the Gunners' defensive ranks should be strengthened before the end of the transfer window by a left-footed Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen. However, that should be the end of the arrivals to Arsenal in the summer. Shouldn't it? Until the transfer window closes we can't be sure of anything I guess. However, no more transfers towards the club are really expected. On the contrary, several players from the wider squad are expected to leave.
But now let's focus on the players Mikel Arteta will have available for the Liverpool game. In terms of individual performances and the game, the Spanish manager has little reason to change after the last game. Unfortunately for him and for Arsenal, some changes are inevitable. He will certainly miss the previously mentioned Bukayo Saka. A question mark also hangs over the captain's start Martina Ødegaard. So what will the starting eleven look like?
David Raya
The Spanish goalkeeper had considerably less work to do in the last round against Leeds than in the first round at Manchester United, but that certainly doesn't diminish the weight of another picked zero. Any goalkeeper will surely agree with me that the games in which the goalkeeper is not so much in the game are, paradoxically, the most difficult ones. At least in terms of concentration. David Raya also did well in the game against Leedsand therefore Mikel Arteta has no reason to make any changes between the three poles.
Jurriën Timber
Two goals and one assist in the last league game against Leeds. I don't think even he expected that Jurriën Timber. Taking into account the fantastic performance of the Dutch defender from the last round and the health of Ben White, there is only one result. On the right edge of the defence. Jurriën Timber will start from the first minute.
William Saliba
I repeat myself with the stopper pairing almost every week and this time will be no different. William Saliba along with Gabriel, is the key player on the defensive end. His presence in the team is crucial in a match like this..
Gabriel
The place on William Saliba's left has "subscription" Brazilian fighter Gabriel. His role in the team is virtually unshakeablewhich is confirmed by the fact that he is part of Mikel Arteta's leadership group. Assuming Martin Ødegaard doesn't start at Anfield, Gabriel should even wear the captain's armband. That probably says it all.
Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori was given priority over the youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly in the first two rounds and it must be said that he took this chance very well. Against Manchester United scored the only goal of the game, Leeds at home again assisted on two goals. I would be quite surprised if the Italian defender is missing from the starting eleven on Sunday.
Martín Zubimendi
Martín Zubimendi is expected to make his move from Real Sociedad became an important part of Mikel Arteta's starting lineup. The diminutive Spaniard acts as an imaginary link between the team's defensive and offensive lines. At first glance he is inconspicuous, but at second glance he is extremely important for the balance and stability of the system. Zubimendi will start the match from the first minute.
Declan Rice
Another player without whom you can't imagine the starting line-up in such a match. Declan Rice is the driving force behind the backup and the team. His contribution to the team is multifaceted. He contributes defensively and offensively, bringing quality, calmness and energy to the game. His refined kicking technique is also a huge weapon, which Arsenal often benefit from in standard situations.
Martin Ødegaard
The biggest question mark hangs over the start of the Norwegian creator of the game. The only information available so far is that Martin Ødegaard wasn't part of the team at Wednesday's practice. But that doesn't necessarily mean anything. The big question is also who would replace him at number ten. Ethan Nwaneri replaced him on the pitch against Leeds, but now there is another candidate for this position in the Arsenal squad, Eberechi Eze. Personally, I think the Arsenal captain will get his health back and be part of the starting eleven, but I'm certainly not sure. If the Norwegian footballer could not start, he would make his debut in the jersey with the cannon on his chest Eberechi Eze.
Noni Madueke
The most natural substitute for the injured Bukaya Saku is undoubtedly Noni Madueke. We saw Ethan Nwaneri on the right wing a lot last season, and during the summer training we also saw the talented youngster Max Dowman, but a new summer signing is expected at Anfield. Madueke is similar to Sako in his style of play, in addition to being left-footed, so it is indeed very likely that he will deputise for his national teammate.
Gabriel Martinelli
Because Liverpool certainly won't be playing Arsenal out of the deep blockso I think Mikel Arteta will go for speed Gabriel Martinelli. In other circumstances I would have guessed Eberechi Eze to play on the left flank, but I have a feeling that this time the Spanish manager will prefer the quick-footed Brazilian. But that doesn't necessarily mean that the starting lineup will be without Eze. Martin Ødegaard's health will play a crucial role. Let's be surprised.
Viktor Gyökeres
The Swedish striker was criticized by some media and especially by fans of the rivals after the first round he did a great job in round two. Viktor Gyökeres was instrumental in the big win against Leeds with two precise hitsto open his Premier League scoring account. He sent a clear message to all critics by celebrating his second goal with a provocative haircut after putting on his typical mask. The burly Swede plans to show the world that he can make it among the best in an Arsenal jersey.
Substitutes
This time, due to the relatively wide squad, or rather due to several question marks regarding the health of the players, the composition of the starting eleven is not only a question, but also the bench of substitutes. Remaining out of the game Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. To the pair of injured strikers was unfortunately joined by Bukayo Sakawho is expected to miss Arsenal due to a hamstring injury for about 3 to 4 weeks. On Wednesday's training session were missing further Christian Nørgaard, Ben White and Captain Martin Ødegaard. There is a chance that the latter two will be ready for Sunday's game.
So we should see a goalkeeper on the substitutes' bench Kepu, then the defender Cristhiana Mosquera, Myles Lewis-Skelly and hopefully a healed Ben White. Midfielders and offensive players should complete the squad Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and a new reinforcement Eberechi Eze. After a successful debut, in which he became the second youngest player ever to play in the Premier League (Ethan Nwaneri holds the top spot, by the way), I wouldn't be surprised to see him be part of the team again Max Dowman. A more defensive player would make more sense, but Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko are linked with departures, so I don't believe they will be in the squad for the game against Liverpool.
About the opponent
Liverpool, reigning Premier League championwho needs no introduction. After Jürgen Klopp's departure, few expected his successor Arne Slot to lead Liverpool to the title in his first season on the Reds' bench. Yet the Dutch manager succeeded, and immediately became a popular figure among Liverpool fans. On the other hand, he has kind of cracked the whip on himself, because as we all know too well, the appetite grows with the food. Liverpool fans will surely want the club to win more and more trophies.
Considering the personnel changes, I think Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz and Darwin Núñez left the club. He left not only Liverpool but the football world forever. Diogo Jotawho was tragically killed in a car accident. RIP. Let's turn over a new leaf. Liverpool logically strengthened in the summer and didn't hold back. On the contrary. Virtually immediately at the start of the transfer window. Liverpool acquired Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, for whom he planted the German team £116 million including bonuses, setting a new Premier League record. In addition, there were also the arrival of the central defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Then came the reinforcements to the offensive line, Hugo Ekitiké. The lanky Frenchman started his Liverpool career very well, scoring in all the competitive matches he played in. The biggest However, there is a buzz around Swedish forward Alexander Isaktrying to force a transfer to Liverpool. The end of the transfer window is likely to be very wild at Anfield, whatever the outcome.
Match
When I look at the results of recent matches between the two of us, so we definitely shouldn't get bored. Liverpool's matches with Arsenal usually offer a decent amount of goals and quality offensive football. Liverpool will surely play into the hands of the home environment, the atmosphere at Anfield is renowned. In terms of quality, experience and breadth of squad both teams are pretty evenly matched. Details, individual quality and, last but not least, luck will decide. I expect both teams to go into the game looking to take three points, which could mean an attractive spectacle for the audience.
According to the bookmakers, the paper favourite of the match is the home team Liverpool and considering the mutual record at the Reds' home stadium it is not surprising. As I wrote in the introduction of the blog, Arsenal have not taken full points from Liverpool in the Premier League for almost 13 years. But every streak has to end sometime and I firmly believe it will this Sunday. I predict Arsenal will take three points from Anfield after a long wait with a 2-1 win.
Next match
After the game at Anfield, the programme representation breakand so we'll have to wait a week longer than usual for the next Arsenal game. The next game after the break is the fourth round of the Premier League, in which Arsenal welcome ambitious Nottingham to north London. Emirates Stadium clash kicks off Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. (CET).
See you next time, I'll look forward to it!
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Editor, administrator and editor of the True Gunner Diary website, but above all a devoted Arsenal fan. I started with sports articles at the Tipsport bookmaker, where I have published more than 100 blogs. If you want to know more about me, check out the section of the same name here on the site.