Four Epic Showdowns That Will Determine Liverpool vs. Arsenal's Fate
Premier League action seldom reaches greater heights of excitement and intensity than when Liverpool and Arsenal clash on the pitch.
These English powerhouses have delivered numerous thrilling encounters throughout the Premier League era and stood as the division's top contenders last season, with Liverpool edging past their championship competitors to secure the title.
Their competitive relationship resumes on Sunday in their opening encounter of the 2025–26 campaign, as the Gunners make the journey to Anfield seeking to establish an early statement. The outcome appears virtually impossible to forecast, yet it promises to be a tactical battle.
Below are four crucial matchups that may determine the result.
Mohamed Salah vs. Riccardo Calafiori
Mohamed Salah has consistently tormented Arsenal's defensive line in numerous previous encounters between these teams, and the tireless Egyptian will be looking to produce his signature brilliance once more. He possesses 11 goals and four assists across his 18 confrontations with the Gunners, finding the net against them at least once during every season at Anfield.
Although Salah hasn't delivered a spectacular beginning to the new season, he's still managed a goal and assist in dramatic victories against Bournemouth and Newcastle United. Containing last season's top scorer and Premier League Player of the Season represents Arsenal's primary objective.
Riccardo Calafiori has already contributed a goal and two assists from his left-back position this season but will be far more focused on neutralizing Salah than offering offensive contributions at Anfield. The Italian defender can sometimes be overly forceful in individual duels, and such tactics are unlikely to produce favorable results against Salah's expertise.
Nevertheless, if Calafiori maintains composure in confrontations with Salah, his physical presence could limit the winger's inventiveness. The 33-year-old has sacrificed some pace and explosiveness that previously made him unstoppable, but his tactical awareness and dangerous left foot compensate for these changes. Calafiori must resist rushing in and creating vulnerabilities for Arsenal.
Florian Wirtz vs. Martín Zubimendi
Florian Wirtz has disappointed in Liverpool's opening two Premier League fixtures, and the club's record acquisition will be determined to deliver a more commanding performance on this significant occasion. The £116 million signing will be vital for Arne Slot in an offensive midfield capacity against Arsenal's resilient defense and tireless midfield unit.
Wirtz excels in finding space within and around the penalty box, connecting play and establishing links between defensive and attacking phases. However, he's encountered difficulties with Premier League physicality during his initial two appearances, losing possession too frequently under opposition pressure.
Martín Zubimendi, who declined Liverpool's advances last summer, will bear primary responsibility for preventing Wirtz from displaying his talents. Partnering with Declan Rice, the hardworking yet skillful Spaniard must cover territory, eliminate threats, and control rhythm in an intimidating environment.
Zubimendi will occasionally need to shadow Wirtz closely to prevent the German international from flourishing in the attacking midfielder position, applying physical pressure when opportunities arise. His promising start to Arsenal life suggests he could triumph in this duel with the former Bayer Leverkusen talent on Sunday.
Viktor Gyökeres vs. Ibrahima Konaté
Ibrahima Konaté has suffered a catastrophic beginning to the campaign. The French defender, whose Anfield future remains questionable, struggled terribly against Bournemouth in Liverpool's season opener, then followed with another shaky and hesitant showing at St James' Park last Monday.
The final thing Konaté requires is a head-to-head contest with an exceptionally fast and strong striker who specializes in exploiting space behind advanced defensive lines, yet that's precisely what awaits him this weekend against Viktor Gyökeres.
The Arsenal forward faced scrutiny following his underwhelming Old Trafford debut but answered like a top-class striker by netting twice against Leeds United in his latest outing—including a brilliant run and finish that showcased his capabilities. Momentum will be building after his performance against the promoted side.
Konaté's positioning errors and hesitation in challenges could be exploited by Gyökeres on Sunday, with the Swedish international likely targeting the Frenchman while avoiding Virgil van Dijk. Unless Konaté improves dramatically, it may prove a challenging afternoon for the Reds.
Noni Madueke vs. Milos Kerkez
Milos Kerkez has quickly secured a place in Liverpool's starting formation, displacing Andy Robertson at left-back. However, the Hungarian has delivered questionable displays in his opening two competitive appearances for the Reds, producing a woeful showing against former club Bournemouth on his official debut as Antoine Semenyo dominated their battles.
Performance levels remained concerning against Newcastle, and while he avoids facing the sidelined Bukayo Saka this weekend, Noni Madueke will still present a significant test for the Liverpool defender.
Arsenal's summer addition will operate on his favored flank at Anfield and possesses the skill and pace to trouble Kerkez. The left-back has shown excessive aggression in his first two appearances, and such rash behavior could create serious problems for Liverpool.
Slot will demand a more controlled display from his left-back, with Kerkez theoretically possessing the speed and determination to handle someone of Madueke's caliber. Should the defender produce another erratic performance at Anfield on Sunday, the Arsenal winger could cause significant damage down Liverpool's left flank.