Gary Neville urges Liverpool to ‘make a statement’ v Arsenal despite big-name absences
Gary Neville believes that Liverpool could ‘make a statement’ when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tonight.
The Reds go into the match in the rare position of being distinct underdogs in the eyes of many pundits, with Paul Merson and Chris Sutton among those predicting a comfortable home win for the current Premier League leaders.
Arne Slot’s side are depleted in attack, with Hugo Ekitike not recovering in time to make the matchday squad, Alexander Isak sidelined with injury for another couple of months and Mo Salah still involved at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
Neville: Liverpool ‘can cause Arsenal problems’
It’ll be quite the challenge for an inconsistent Liverpool to get a result against an in-form Arsenal tonight, but Neville believes that the Reds have enough quality in their ranks to halt the league leaders’ gallop.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the ex-Manchester United defender said: “They have got players who can cause Arsenal problems. Liverpool will have moments in the game; it is not an easy game for Arsenal.
“Everyone is watching this game thinking this is the game when Arsenal can cement their title challenge, but Liverpool can really make a statement. They have to get back on track.
“With the players they’ve got, they should be better than where they are. I accept they’ve got injuries but they are performing well below the standard they set last season.”
Liverpool still have the players in attack to hurt Arsenal
Neville isn’t wrong – even without Ekitike, Isak and Salah up front, Liverpool still have options in attack who could hurt Arsenal.
Cody Gakpo has come in for criticism from some Reds supporters, but he’s still our second-highest scorer this season with six goals. Dominik Szoboszlai netted the winner in the reverse fixture in August. Florian Wirtz is coming into decent goalscoring form of late.
Even Jeremie Frimpong – often regarded as primarily a right-back but playing in a more attacking role tonight – has shown in recent weeks that he has the pace and crossing ability to cause a few problems for the Gunners’ defence.
Arsenal will be buoyed by their two closest challengers both being held to draws last night, and they’ll know that this game represents a huge opportunity to make a statement of their own as they strive to dethrone Liverpool as Premier League champions.
However, that brings with it a certain pressure – particularly in front of an expectant home crowd – and that’s something the Reds could seek to exploit as rare underdogs.
It’s going to take a high-quality performance for the full 90 minutes to get a result, but Slot’s side have shown on a few occasions this season that they have it in them to rise to the biggest of challenges and come out on top!
The post Gary Neville urges Liverpool to ‘make a statement’ v Arsenal despite big-name absences appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.