Liverpool vs. Arsenal: Premier League’s First Box Office Clash

This Sunday at Anfield marks the highly anticipated clash between Liverpool and Arsenal, two teams that finished at the top last season and are widely favored to contend for the title again. While this early-season encounter might not be a definitive title decider, its outcome could significantly influence the trajectory for both clubs in the coming months, setting an important tone for the Premier League season.

Mikel Arteta leads his Arsenal squad into this fixture with a strong recent record against Liverpool, having avoided defeat in Premier League matches since March 2022. However, a victory at Anfield itself has eluded the Spanish manager for a considerable time, tracing back to a 2-0 win in September 2012, when Arteta played as a starter under Arsene Wenger.

Both teams aim to secure a third consecutive victory from their opening three games. Arne Slot, Liverpool`s manager, is keenly aware of the necessity to strengthen a defense that has already conceded six goals across their league and Community Shield fixtures. Conversely, Liverpool`s attack appears formidable and is expected to pose significant challenges for Arsenal`s backline. Below, we explore some of the critical tactical dilemmas facing both coaches ahead of this pivotal match:

1. Containing Mohamed Salah

While entirely stopping Mohamed Salah in full flow might be an insurmountable task for any team, Arsenal has arguably come closest to achieving this in recent seasons. Despite Salah still managing to produce moments of brilliance against his title rivals, a well-organized Mikel Arteta defense has historically limited his impact, forcing him into less influential positions.

Arsenal`s strategy for Salah is relatively clear: knowing he frequently cuts inside from the right wing onto his dominant right foot, they aim to deploy a right-footed defender at left-back capable of mirroring his movements. This ideal defender would also be adept at covering overlapping runs and Salah`s drives down the byline, essentially requiring a versatile, two-footed player. Takehiro Tomiyasu initially exemplified this role, and if fully fit, would likely be a prime candidate for such matches. Last season, Jurrien Timber, considered Arsenal`s most proficient defensive fullback, performed admirably for 76 minutes at the Emirates in this capacity. However, just five minutes later, Salah found the equalizer, a moment that, in hindsight, potentially derailed Arsenal`s title aspirations.

Had Mikel Arteta possessed a fully fit squad, he might have been inclined to utilize Jurrien Timber at left-back once more. Yet, a full complement of players has been a rarity for Arsenal for over a year. The absence of Ben White—a consistently reliable right-back—leaves only one natural option in that position. Consequently, the responsibility of marking Salah will likely fall to either Riccardo Calafiori or Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Lewis-Skelly demonstrated reasonable effectiveness against Salah towards the end of last season, though it coincided with a period when Salah, having already secured his objectives for 2024-25, was less intensely driven. Nevertheless, Lewis-Skelly`s defensive prowess is exceptional for an 18-year-old. Entrusting a teenager with the job of neutralizing arguably England`s top attacker could, surprisingly, be Arteta`s most pragmatic choice.

The concern isn`t Calafiori`s defensive capability, but rather his propensity to aggressively push forward when playing for Arsenal, often acting as a catalyst for dynamic play—a characteristic so inherent that his spectacular long-range goal at the Etihad felt entirely in character. The key question is whether he can—or indeed, should—temper his attacking instincts for this specific defensive assignment.

2. Wirtz`s Role in Countering Zubimendi

It`s uncommon for managers to publicly discuss integrating an opposing player into their own squad, and even more so when that player conspicuously rejected them just over a year prior. However, Arne Slot makes no secret of his initial vision for Martin Zubimendi. It was widely known that Liverpool intended to make Zubimendi a central figure for their new manager`s inaugural season, a move that faltered when Zubimendi hesitated as Arsenal later expressed interest.

While, as Slot mentioned, Liverpool largely addressed their needs with Ryan Gravenberch, he will encounter a formidable talent in Zubimendi—a controlling midfielder capable of dictating the pace and flow of the match. If Zubimendi partners with Declan Rice in a genuine double pivot, a formation Arteta has explored this season, Arsenal could dominate the midfield against Liverpool`s Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, who is only just regaining full fitness.

Liverpool`s deeper midfielders will require support, a role that may fall to Florian Wirtz. The former Bayer Leverkusen player has yet to impose himself with possession in a Premier League game, but he appears to have rapidly integrated into Slot`s demands for off-the-ball work. A diligent presser, Wirtz currently averages a recovery in the attacking third approximately every 50 minutes (though this is based on a limited sample size). He will need to amplify this off-ball contribution. Arsenal will undoubtedly seek to stifle the atmosphere at Anfield, a venue known for its intensity. Sustained periods of controlled possession would achieve this, but one or two crucial turnovers won by Wirtz in threatening areas could electrify the Kop.

3. A Prime Opportunity for Madueke to Shine?

Few £50 million transfers have been met with the intense frustration that greeted Noni Madueke`s arrival from Chelsea this summer among Arsenal supporters. Thousands signed online petitions, and graffiti demanding Arteta`s dismissal appeared outside the Emirates. Each summer, transfer discourse seems to highlight the irrationality of some football fans, and this instance was a stark example, particularly as Arsenal had just signed a player capable of addressing several squad needs. Madueke has already demonstrated his ability to enhance options on the left wing, offering a left-footed, cross-first alternative that complements Gabriel Martinelli. Now, he may have the chance to feature on his preferred right flank.

Last season, Arsenal rushed Bukayo Saka back for the home fixture against Liverpool, where he opened the scoring but subsequently faded due to a muscle issue, ultimately sustaining a significant hamstring injury two months later. With Saka still sidelined this weekend after limping off against Leeds, Arsenal will be looking to Madueke to step up and provide a crucial attacking outlet.

The 23-year-old Madueke previously impressed against Trent Alexander-Arnold while playing on Chelsea`s left last season, and he should now feel confident facing Milos Kerkez. Even as Liverpool`s more cautious new fullback, Kerkez is known for his willingness to push forward. Madueke`s direct runs and speed appear perfectly suited to exploit the defensive spaces behind the champions, areas that teams like Bournemouth and Newcastle have successfully targeted. This fixture presents a significant chance for the new signing to win over skeptical Arsenal fans.