Mikel Arteta has sent a confident message to Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s massive Premier League showdown at Anfield, insisting he is fully convinced Arsenal will leave Merseyside with all three points.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Arsenal manager declared:
“I am FULLY CONVINCED that we’re going to go there (at Anfield against Liverpool) on Sunday and WIN.”
There is certainly no shortage of confidence from the Gunners boss!
Arteta knows exactly what awaits his team, but he clearly believes his players have what it takes to finally end Arsenal’s long wait for a Premier League victory at Anfield.
Arsenal have a point to prove at Anfield
The statistics make interesting reading for Liverpool supporters.
Arsenal have not won a Premier League match at Anfield since 2012. Their last 13 league visits have produced five draws and eight defeats.
That is a record Liverpool will be desperate to protect.
Arteta has acknowledged the significance of the challenge, admitting that it is time for Arsenal to end their 14-year wait for a league victory at the ground.
The Gunners are the reigning champions and arrive with plenty of quality, but Anfield has been a difficult place for them to visit for a very long time.
Liverpool should use Arteta’s confidence as motivation
There is nothing wrong with a manager showing belief in his team. In fact, Arteta would be doing something wrong if he travelled to Anfield expecting to lose.
But Liverpool will have heard those words, and Andoni Iraola will be determined to make sure Arsenal’s confidence counts for nothing.
The Reds have won five consecutive matches in all competitions and are beginning to show signs of improvement under their new manager.
This is a huge opportunity to make a statement against the reigning champions.
Liverpool also have their own weapons going forward, with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola capable of causing serious problems if they get the space they need.
The challenge will be matching Arsenal’s intensity and winning the important battles in midfield.
Anfield needs to make itself heard
These are the games Liverpool supporters want to see.
Arsenal arrive believing they can win, and Liverpool have the opportunity to remind them just how difficult it is to come away from Anfield with three points.
Iraola has already spoken about the importance of the atmosphere and how much the supporters can help his team. Sunday is the perfect occasion for that connection to be at its strongest.
Arteta is entitled to his confidence, but Liverpool must make sure he leaves Merseyside disappointed.
My verdict: I love the confidence from Arteta, but talking about winning at Anfield and actually doing it are two very different things.
Arsenal have not won a league game at Anfield for 14 years. Let’s make sure that record continues.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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