Liverpool vs Arsenal match review, 10:30 p.m. August 31: The battle at the top of the table

VHO - Commentary on the match Liverpool vs Arsenal, round 3 of the Premier League, the result of the battle at Anfield has quite an important meaning to the championship race this season.

Liverpool vs Arsenal form

Liverpool's Premier League title defence got off to a flying start, beating Bournemouth and Newcastle to bag a full six points.

The statistics look quite perfect, but in fact, the Red Brigade still has a few worrying problems before entering the big battle at Anfield this weekend.

Firstly, the seemingly solid defense with two pillars Van Dijk - Konate is now faltering. The 4 goals conceded in each round all have more or less mistakes from one of the two central defenders above.

Their somewhat slow ability to turn around caused Van Dijk and Konate to be passed by fast runners on the opposing side many times, forcing them to commit fouls or helplessly rely on the talent of goalkeeper Alisson.

Next, despite his good performances in the past matches, "blockbuster" Florian Wirtz has not yet fully demonstrated the qualities expected. The German midfielder sometimes looks lost despite being one of the most mobile players on the field.

If Mac Allister returns from injury, Wirtz will have more opportunities to shine thanks to the good ball-playing ability of his Argentine teammate. But facing Arsenal's balanced midfield is not an easy task.

Overall, the defense is still the most vulnerable area of ​​The Kop at the moment. Coach Arne Slot will probably let his students approach the match with a cautious attitude instead of being too excited.

Because if they are too busy pushing the team up too high, the home team's central defenders can be exploited through situations where the ball is passed behind their backs.

At that time, Van Dijk or Konate will have difficulty competing in terms of speed with the younger, stronger attackers on the opposite side of the field. Before thinking about winning, Liverpool will have to do a good job of blocking potential dangers as much as possible.

The last four encounters between the two sides at Anfield have all ended in draws.

Luckily for the home team, Arsenal will not be able to bring their strongest squad to Anfield. Injuries mean Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard are likely to miss this weekend's big game.

Without two important explosives, the Gunners' destructive power will probably decrease somewhat and the away team may have to rely on a new source of creativity named Eberechi Eze.

In the last 6 encounters with Liverpool in the Premier League, Arsenal have been unbeaten, with 2 wins and 4 draws. Notably, in the last 4 trips to Anfield, coach Mikel Arteta and his team have not lost. The statistics are enough to help the visitors from London gain more confidence after a series of 3 recent wins, scoring 9 and conceding no goals.

In any period, whether up or down, Anfield is always considered a very important support for Liverpool. The last time Arsenal left the port city with a victorious smile was more than a decade ago, in the first leg of the 2012/13 Premier League.

With the current balance of power, it will not be easy for the Gunners to create a new historical milestone.

Liverpool vs Arsenal squad information

Liverpool: New signing Jeremie Frimpong is injured. Alexis Mac Allister has returned to training but may only start on the bench.

Arsenal: Leandro Trossard, Ben White, Christian Norgaard, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka are definitely absent. Odegaard's ability to play is still uncertain.

Expected lineup Liverpool vs Arsenal

Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Prediction: 1-1

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/nhan-dinh-tran-dau-liverpool-vs-arsenal-22h30-ngay-318-dai-chien-dinh-bang-165090.html