How Arsenal ended their Anfield hoodoo against Liverpool
One of the biggest games of the weekend sees Arsenal travel to Liverpool on Sunday as they look to secure a firm grip on the Premier League title.
However, there was another unpopular record that bothered them. Anfield has been Arsenal’s elusive home for years and sees no better opportunity to end their dismal run, with the Gunners eight points clear and Liverpool struggling all season. Jurgen Klopp’s side finished eighth at the weekend. Here’s a look at Arsenal’s poor finish at Anfield and how they ended Sunday’s campaign.
Arsenal have not been able to win at Anfield for over a decade. In fact, it’s been 3,867 days since Liverpool last won at home. On 2 September 2012, the Gunners won 2–0 with goals from Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski in each half. The good news is that the same two players help each other score. Arsenal have been an incredibly tough place ever since, even in a season when they were far better than the Reds. However, they won on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the 2020 Carabao Cup. The table below shows their record at Anfield since their last win in 2012.
season
competition
score line
2013/14
Superleague
Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal
2014/15
Superleague
Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal
2015/16
Superleague
Liverpool 3-3 Arsenal
2016/17
Superleague
Liverpool 3:1 Arsenal
2017/18
Superleague
Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal
2018/19
Superleague
Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal
2019/20
Carabao Cup
Liverpool 5-5 Arsenal (Liverpool won 5-4 on penalties)
2019/20
Superleague
Liverpool 3:1 Arsenal
2020/21
Carabao Cup
Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal (Arsenal won 4-5 on penalties)
2020/21
Superleague
Liverpool 3:1 Arsenal
2021/22
Carabao Cup
Liverpool 0:0 Arsenal (semi-final first leg)
2021/22
Superleague
Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal
Two things really stand out on this list. One is that there have been some very interesting and high-scoring draws over the years, and the other is that Arsenal are vulnerable against Liverpool.
It may seem overly simplistic, but given their performances so far this season, Arsenal just need to focus on their game and make sure they get their basics right on Sunday. They are a better team than Liverpool this season and they need to act like it.
A timid start to the match with what they believe is a poor result at Anfield is likely to give Liverpool only the opportunity to score the first goal. If Arsenal can take the lead inside the first 15-20 minutes, their dominance should quickly quell any atmosphere at Anfield that has dogged the Gunners for years.
One of Liverpool’s weak points this season has been Trent Alexander-Arnold’s form, and it might not be the worst idea for Arsenal to focus on his side of the pitch in attack. Gabriel Martinelli can give Alexander Arnold a pointless drive and create space for the likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka in other areas.
As close to the game as it is at the Emirates Stadium, Liverpool would be surprised. Jurgen Klopp’s side still have players who can break down any defence, and if they are given the time and space to keep the ball out, it could backfire on Mikel Arteta. Composure is also crucial for Arsenal, with Virgil van Dijk expected to return to the back line, and that’s where Gabriel Jesus comes into play. Arsenal cannot afford to miss a big chance.
Starting on the front foot, Arsenal showed in their 3-2 win at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season that they can outplay Liverpool in such a game, even when the game is close and there are chances at both ends.
Do you think Arsenal can win away when they face Liverpool and what do they have to do to get a win when they go to Anfield? Leave your comment…