Arsenal vs. Liverpool: Three Epic Showdowns That Will Determine This Blockbuster Battle
Liverpool's slender victory against Arsenal in August seemed like a defining moment in their quest to retain the Premier League title—however, fortunes can shift dramatically in England's top flight.
Jump ahead to January and Arsenal sit comfortably atop the table, displaying the reliability, skill and squad depth that suggests they'll claim Liverpool's championship by season's end. Meanwhile, Arne Slot's squad, trailing their opponents by 14 points, appears to be mounting an unconvincing push for Champions League spots at most.
Their second encounter of the season takes place Thursday night as Arsenal aim to strengthen their grip on first place while Liverpool simply hope to avoid humiliation. No team has defeated the Gunners at home this campaign and the inconsistent Reds seem unlikely to become the first to triumph at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal enter as clear favorites for this contest but Liverpool still possess a collection of talents capable of delivering an upset—hardly surprising following their remarkable £446 million summer investment. The midweek encounter promises to be a battle between titans.
Considering this context, here are three prominent individual duels that may determine the outcome in north London.
Bukayo Saka vs. Milos Kerkez
Few summer acquisitions have disappointed as much as Milos Kerkez. Expected to succeed Andy Robertson as first-choice left-back, the 22-year-old has failed to impress with repeatedly shaky and hesitant displays. The defender's showing against Arsenal in August remains among his finest, which says everything about his struggles.
Liverpool's enhanced form during December provided optimism for the Hungarian, who certainly experienced a stable if unremarkable period. Nevertheless, his intensity without the ball and unreliability in one-on-one situations means away fans will remain worried about a potential mismatch in his duel with Bukayo Saka.
Despite Arsenal's supremacy this campaign, Saka hasn't been particularly lethal. Four goals and three assists represents a modest output for someone of his caliber. Set-piece effectiveness and increased attacking options have reduced the creative pressure on Arsenal's 'Golden Boy'.
His performances have remained largely excellent, however. Saka's blistering pace and technical brilliance continue to torment left-backs throughout Europe and the England international will relish facing a defender short on confidence and conviction. With Jurriën Timber offering overlapping support, Arsenal's right flank could become Liverpool's primary vulnerability.
Declan Rice vs. Ryan Gravenberch
Declan Rice demonstrated his value once more at the weekend. Arsenal's influential midfielder has consistently displayed his central importance having developed into one of the globe's finest midfielders since his north London arrival, but his double strike against Bournemouth during a match where Mikel Arteta's side performed below par reinforced his significance.
Rice has now equaled Saka's Premier League goal and assist count this season as he becomes an increasingly potent offensive weapon, whether through his perfectly-timed box arrivals or his exceptional dead-ball deliveries.
Neutralize Rice and opportunities to unlock Arsenal emerge, but few have managed to contain the dynamic midfielder this campaign. Can Ryan Gravenberch handle this enormous challenge?
The Dutch player hasn't escaped criticism in his defensive midfield position this term but the shortage of options and resulting overuse of the 23-year-old provides clear justification for his weaker outings. Overall, he's still delivered solid performances amid surrounding turmoil, with six Premier League goal contributions proving valuable.
However, Gravenberch must concentrate entirely on his defensive duties at the Emirates. Rice's frequent advances into the attacking third require monitoring, as does Martin Ødegaard's creative influence as he regains his form. Gravenberch will require assistance from his midfield partners, whether Curtis Jones or Alexis Mac Allister joins him in the double pivot, but Rice appears favored to emerge victorious.
Martín Zubimendi vs. Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz's positioning in the capital remains uncertain. The German's eventual role depends on Hugo Ekitiké's fitness, who was absent with a minor knock during the weekend's thrilling stalemate at Fulham. Should the French forward start centrally, Wirtz might shift to the number ten position to allow Cody Gakpo wide deployment.
Even if Wirtz begins on the left in a more conservative Liverpool formation, he'll gravitate toward central zones. The creator enjoys drifting across the attacking third, as shown by the inside-right position he occupied when scoring at Craven Cottage.
Wirtz has faced criticism this season following a sluggish Anfield beginning but he's beginning to flourish. Two goals and one assist in his last four appearances indicates progress and, alongside Ekitiké, he represents Liverpool's sole dependable attacking option recently. Should the Reds surprise the Emirates crowd, Wirtz will prove crucial.
Essential to neutralizing the Liverpool star is the defensive midfielder the Reds desperately pursued in 2024: Martín Zubimendi. The Spaniard has quietly performed his duties since joining the Gunners but deserves significant praise for his rapid adaptation to a completely different league. He's already established himself as a dependable presence in the anchor role.
Zubimendi must remain vigilant against Wirtz, committing to challenges and following the German international's roaming movements. If he can accomplish this specific task, he'll have neutralized Liverpool's primary attacking weapon.