Báo Tuổi Trẻ•08/01/2026
Liverpool (right) still have enough strength to cause problems for Arsenal - Photo: REUTERS
One of the key milestones they need to overcome is the clash with Liverpool in the 21st round of the Premier League, which takes place at 3 AM on January 9th (Vietnam time).
After 20 rounds, Arsenal have earned 48 points and are firmly in first place, 6 points ahead of second-placed Man City. With such a scoring rate, Arsenal could reach 93-94 points by the end of the season – a points total that would almost guarantee them the championship.
In those 20 matches, the "Gunners" only lost two games, one against Liverpool and one against Aston Villa. Against Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta's team exacted sweet revenge just four rounds after their defeat. At the start of the second half of the season, Arsenal thrashed Aston Villa 4-1. As for Liverpool, Arsenal now have an even more opportune moment to exact revenge.
The match early tomorrow morning will take place at the Emirates Stadium – a "fortress" where Arsenal have won 14 out of 15 matches in all competitions this season. The only time Arteta's team dropped points there was when they faced Man City in round 5. Since then, Arsenal have won all 8 of their home matches in the Premier League.
While Arsenal were brimming with confidence, Liverpool remained mired in crisis. The "warm" period around Christmas had passed for manager Arne Slot, when Liverpool won three consecutive matches from rounds 16 to 18. Then, after entering the new year, the "Reds" drew two consecutive matches against mid-table opponents Leeds and Fulham.
The result isn't everything; what matters more is the style of play. Even with Liverpool's consecutive wins against Brighton, Tottenham, and Wolverhampton, "Red Army" fans couldn't rest easy about the performance of their beloved players. A lackluster attack and weak defense are a concise description of Liverpool's style of play this season in every match.
Arsenal are in good form - Photo: REUTERS
But does that mean Arsenal will underestimate Liverpool? Not at all. As mentioned, Liverpool is one of only two teams to have beaten Arsenal this season. And it was a completely convincing victory, before Arne Slot's team fell into crisis.
It was also one of the strangest matches for the "Red Brigade" this season, as they had to push Szoboszlai back to right-back and were pressured by Arsenal in the first half. But in the second half, Liverpool regained their Jurgen Klopp-era form to dominate their opponents and ultimately win thanks to a spectacular free-kick from Szoboszlai.
The Hungarian midfielder has also been one of the few bright spots for Liverpool this season. He has played well game after game, playing every minute in most matches. He has fulfilled the requirements in every position he has been given – from central midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger, to even full-back.
Szoboszlai isn't the only "weapon" Liverpool can use to threaten Arsenal in this match. It's a strange fact that Liverpool, despite playing extremely poorly in most games this season, have achieved good results against strong opponents.
They have won 2 of their 3 encounters against teams currently in the top 4 of the Premier League, and also beaten Atletico, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan in the Champions League. It's hard to believe, but it's true. On days when Van Dijk and Konate are focused, and Mac Allister and Wirtz provide enough creativity, Liverpool can neutralize Arsenal in every aspect.
Liverpool will face continued difficulties in this match as they are without Isak, Salah, and Endo, while Ekitike is racing against time to recover from injury. Whoscored even listed a predicted lineup without Ekitike in Liverpool's official starting XI, forcing manager Slot to push Gakpo up to play as a striker in this game.
On Arsenal's side, they now have almost their full squad available as both Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have recovered from injuries.
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HUY DANG
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/liverpool-van-du-suc-can-arsenal-20260108100255033.htm
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