With the third matchday approaching for the brand new premier league season, all eyes will be on the marquee matchup between two long lasting English superpowers in Liverpool and Arsenal. However, both sides have come into this season will similar old problems – and even new ones. The new ones being each side has a superstar player that is looking to leave this summer. For Liverpool, Phillip Coutinho has already made his stance known that he wants to play for Barcelona, even handing in a transfer request to do so. While for Arsenal, Alexis Sanchez has reportedly been looking away to move across England to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Want away stars notwithstanding, both clubs have had similar onfield struggles in their opening matches to last season’s performances. For Liverpool, the lack of a biting edge or way to break teams down consistently that hold many men behind the ball. Liverpool were only able to capitalize in their only victory of the season against Crystal Palace after a wayward back pass from Palace’s defense was pounced on by Sadio Mane, who finished cleanly after. In addition, their backline has also been called into question several times, as the away performance against Watford on the first match day holds testament to that. No meanwhile purchases for the central defense and defensive midfield positions can look to be a major problem for the Merseyside as the season wears on.
For Arsenal, the lack of a controlling midfielder adds to the defensive fragilities that has become a trademark feature for Arsene Wenger’s side. Granit Xhaka, as a talented passer he may be, is still prone to wayward passes. In addition to Aaron Ramsey constantly rushing forward, the defensive duties are left too much for Arsenal’s defensive line to deal with. This leads to defenders being left in 2-on-2, 3-on-2 positions were one or two simple passes leaves Petr Cech in 1 on 1 situations. This was shown once again in Arsenals 1-0 away loss against Stoke City, Xhaka gave the ball away in midfield and was unable to track back alongside Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil, this left Saido Berahino (Stoke’s new forward) and Jese Rodriguez free reign to run at the back of Arsenal’s back line.
This upcoming match will favor Liverpool, as it has done for the several seasons. The clash of style of play means that Arsenal’s reckless midfield will continuously be pressed by the lively Liverpool attack and midfield. Arsenal may have a better chance if Alexis Sanchez is brought back into the fold, but his lack of match fitness may nullify his influence. In the end, Arsene Wenger’s sides have been crippled by matchup styles, where a physical, pressing and counterattacking sides have exploited the Gunners time and time again.
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