It has been a three horse title race so far. Liverpool sits at the top with 51 points, keeping a 5 point lead against both Man City and Arsenal. City has played a game less than us, and sits at 2nd position. An Arsenal v Liverpool game at this stage is going to be very crucial for both the teams (and City) and will decide whether all 3 teams will be in the mix or it becomes a Pep v Klopp for one last time in Premier League.
Klopp has already put down his papers and will be leaving at the end of the season which makes things very difficult for everyone else. Pep is a serial winner, a master tactician, is always ahead of his peers and commands his players’ respect. Klopp, on the other hand, EARNS it. Pep had fall outs, a lot of them – Aguero, Jesus, Cancelo, Yaya Toure and some pre-City ones like Zlatan, and Samuel Eto’o. Klopp on the other hand, maintains good relations with his players, groom them and manages them well. I don’t think anyone in Liverpool squad has anything bad to say against him. The reason I am highlighting this, is because, his resignation announcement will give that extra motivation to the players. Salah must be thinking about a farewell trophy, so does VVD, Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson and others. It will work in favor of Klopp!
When Sadio Mane was at Liverpool, he praised Jurgen’s influence on the team and pointed out he is like a father figure the players in the dressing room. That’s something to say when things changes in a day in football.
Mikel Arteta has to not only beat Klopp tactically but also nullify the extra motivation they would be carrying to Emirates. In the team news, Gabriel Jesus is back with the team but it’s most likely the end of Thomas Partey at Arsenal. Seems like he has picked up another injury (?) which club waited for the transfer window to be over to confirm. I have no idea why but lets move on.
It going to be the usual I guess but I would love to see more of Martinelli in the center and if you are playing Jesus, let him switch often with Marti. At this point, everyone knows GM and LT are more dangerous in front of the goal than Jesus or Eddie. We saw ESR play the LCM role, he did okay but again, it’s not his favorite position. He should rotate with Odegaard.
And since it’s a home game, where it would be more about passion and life than the tactics, stick to Ramsdale. Tell him to be his natural self, after all there is not much difference between Raya and him. Sorry, I was excited about Raya initially but it has died down. Mikel style of play will always have errors in goal keeping and both Raya and Ramsdale are about the same in shot stopping and ball distributions.
A win for Arsenal would mean we remain in the mix. A loss would make it a Pep v Klopp. Mikel’s 4 years of work with players he has spent north of half a billion against a team that is fighting for one more time – is going to decide the fate of our manager.
Short one today, hope the weekend started on a positive note and we finish it even better. See you tomorrow during the game.
Nice piece Ambarish
Can’t argue with anything you say the only thing to add is wins for the Spuddies and Villa today would see them go level on points with us. A loss tomorrow not only all but turns it into a 2 horse race but also puts in a 3 way neck and neck race for top 4.
On paper you’d always say that shouldn’t be a problem and we should be able to take 3rd comfortably but if we had another end of season collapse it could be nasty.
Anyway I’m there tomorrow and its been a while (last match was Brighton) as I’ve missed a couple of matches recently.
Hi Marc,
Can you please grab a few pictures for me of the new branded stadium?
Everton did us a favour in the early match with a late equalizer against the Spurs…it appears to me that the old adage of bringing in a whole mess of defenders to protect a lead is not nearly as effective as it once was…at least Ange waited until the last 10 to go into full park the bus mode, unlike our oft-times spinelss MIT, but with the changing nature of the game, since the arrival of VAR, and the lack of more tactically sound backers, inviting pressure seems to be more accident waiting to happen than a recipe for success…I much prefer that one keep the opposing team honest by keeping those on the pitch who would be most effective on the counter, that way it would be far more likely that the team chasing the game can’t fully commit 8, 9 or even 10 players in and around the box…just my personal opinion though
Someone needs to put Sheffield Utd out of their misery 4 nil down after 30 odd minutes is shocking.
Ambarish – I might be tight for time tomorrow I’ll definitely get a couple from inside of the pitch etc. If I don’t get time remind me and I’ll get them in a few weeks.
“Klopp’s pleasantly surprised by how quickly this new team has come together. You could understand an element of aggravation about that for Arsenal. They’ve been striving to get to that level, with Arteta carefully considering every move and every piece… and then Liverpool just overtake them again. Perhaps it points to Klopp’s greater experience in team-building”
translation-we don’t have the right manager for the task at hand
this certainly isn’t to suggest that we can’t secure a home victory later today, it simply means that, regardless of that result, I’m of the belief that we can’t achieve the highest of heights with MA in charge…personally I think he hit his proverbial managerial ceiling last season…his glaring lack of tactical nuance, combined with his flawed recruitment strategy, have left us wanting time and time again…I just can’t help but thinking where we might have been if Klopp had come to the Emirates some years back, with Emi, Saka, Marts, ESR and Saliba in the building and 750+M to spend…that said, I hope we find a way to take all 3 points in spite of the obvious managerial advantage Pool hold over us…after all they’re still missing a few of their best players, including one of the most consistent/prolific goal-producing forwards in the football world, so if not now, when?
Good piece Ambarish and comments.
In some ways being away from football has been good for my health. The window was a non event signing Tomi who can manage at least half a season on the pitch. Hurrah.
Partey is injured again, so, for sure he’ll be re-upped. Then there is ‘Cedric the useless’ with that want-to -be Piorot tash. Looks like he should have been in ‘Alo Alo’ rather than is an Arsenal shirt.
So, Mr Emery is only a 4GD behind us, and so, we really need to wipe that smile off Klopp’s face or is it wind? Hard to tell when you’re being blinded by gnashers’ megawatt, laser beams.
Are we going to finally show our title contending credentials tonight? For about 25 to 40 minutes, yes!. After that even if we are in a 2:0 lead, we will throw it away. It’s what we do so well and with consistency.
Low block or toe to toe? My guess is a bit of both with Arteta not fully committing and playing safe around the halfway line while Pool set their defenses.
Will we have a VAR moment to save our blushes or for Pool, so tin foil sales are up again?
If Havertz starts, he’ll be Pool’s best player.
Has to be ESR after his last game. Then if anyone can pick out his runs, he’ll score goals. There’s that fucking ‘If’ again.
I think it’ll be tightish. But if Pool go up early, then we could see a repeat from Highbury of being 3 down by half time. Wonder what the Arsenal faithful will think of that, inside the Emirates?
Hopefully, they will be baying for blood, as our title dreams fade quickly and 6th to 8th being is a distinct possibility.
Lose 3:1 is my generous verdict.
I think the Klopp leaving bounce will fuel their way to the title starting with taking our scalp this evening being the start of the charge for the title – watch for their dust trails………….
See you all live
Tony
A fair assessment – I agree with your predicted score line. Arteta is likely to start with Havertz leaving ESR on the bench.
If we lose today it will go towards proving that last year was similar to 2015 – we do not have the will to get over the line.
I think Klopp will see today as a way to strike a mortal blow to our “Title” push and will look to make sure Liverpool inflict it.
It’ll take a really good performance for us to get anything, either that or a complete meltdown by Liverpool.
NORG
The way we capitulated last season was just soul destroying but expected.
That’s the problem we expect losses but love our club unconditionally.
That’s what Arteta gives us supporters sadly. Little or no hope. We want to believe but futility is our reality.
Marc
Can’t see a Liverpool meltdown today just hope for a miracle. Enjoy the game look forward to your post game comments.
Say what you like about Moyes, but he does have West Ham playing well collectively off the ball.
Kudos is some player and the detractors trolling Hoilland will soon be looking for their next pathetic diatribes.
Perhaps if Arteta had copied Moyesyball instead of Peptronic tedium he would have fared better.
Wouldn’t be unhappy if we bought Kudos to play up top.
I’m also feeling glass half empty today. Tets will be at his most tense so I expect he’ll be ramping up the bullshit and the antics on the touchline. And God only knows whether it’s changing room based handrubbing, you’ll never walk alone on a loop in the changing room, or getting the labrador involved in a canine jerk circle. In short, he simply doesn’t inspire confidence. Any idea who the ref is?
Is Jesus going to be out? If Eddie Unket starts, then I think we’re doomed. A draw will also feel like a loss.
No pressure then Arteta, you fucking anti-Arsenal wanker!
Evening all, all buckled up and ready for pure torture, called Artetaball. For the real masochistic of gooners who tape their eyes open, I salute you.
If we win KP, remember it will be a City like fluke with an in-off something.
I bought some shares in tin foil. Can’t hurt, can it? If not this week, then soon.
TRVL are you able and watching this game?
According to ForMob say Jorginho at 8 with Zinchenko behind him.
Could our left side be any weaker?
Jota is starting for Liverpool.So guess they will go full gengenpress from the start.
Normally Arsenal play with intensity for the first 20 minutes. Might be fireworks from the word go.
Liverpool trying shots.
Arsenal fitness coach still doing rather intense stretches. A couple of players trying to crawl instead.Maybe to see who breaks and do the substitutions at the start
Havertz starting up top. Ah well I bet Eddie is pissed.
What do we think low block a counter from us?
how we didn’t sell Eddie and push for a viable Striker option in January seems even more ludicrous now that we’re playing the sourpuss Giraffe up top…considering who Pool are missing, there’s no excuse for us not winning…that said, choosing a negative starting 11, with Jorginho in midfield, certainly is cause for pause
Liverpool seem to have worked out how to handle Arsenal players. For Jorginho who is slow they just speed up so he has no time to execute and is dispossed. Saka is marshalled closely because they understand he is capable of doing something outrageous. Surprisingly Odegard is left somewhat free.
White takes ages to execute a throw
Where the fuck was Havertz in the box?
Well we’ll get in
Terrible Havertz effort
Daka got a goaaaal
I was watching the Zirkzee kid again last evening, who was a tad more impressive with the ball at his feet than in his previous affair, I noticed the former Hibs LB, Doig, who could be the perfect Tierney replacement and even challenge Zinchenko for minutes…presently he has a 7M market value, but I doubt he could be pried away for less than double that figure…he’s quick, decisive and tidy on the ball
Ok we need 2 more before half time to be reasonably sure of 3 points
Imagine if Saka weren’t there to put in the rebound after Havertz’s usual amateur hour effort
Pool look rather disjointed thus far so we must go after the jugular before they make the necessary adjustments…we should have Jorginho tucked inside out left, Ode out right and Rice primarily bossing the middle of the pitch, so why not have Zinchenko take on a more traditional wide side role, especially knowing how TAA typically struggles against Marts…not to mention, of all days this might be the one where some crosses into the box might make some sense, since we have Havertz up top…after all, even a broken clock is right twice a day
White got a card for dawdling on a free kick
Ode better pick up his offensive output because he’s a total lightweight when it comes to the defensive end of things…right now you have to go to page 4 on the PL stat site before you see his measly 4 assists
what the hell was that Havertz?…padding your stats you fucking wanker
The Albatross Havertz does it again. From 3 m in front of the goal
we simply must take our chances before Nunez comes in and can challenge our backers with his pace…hopefully he’s too banged up to be overly effective in that capacity…by the sounds of things he left their last match with a protective boot on
we should be in full attack mode considering their lack of a true DM and the fact that they don’t have the requisite pace to counter in their usual fashion
Can we produce a 2nd half as good as the first is the burning question?
And as I write we shoot ourselves in the foot
Saliba might have been a little casual, but where the fuck is our “number 1” Keeper, he should have come as soon as he saw the defender turning to protect…we couldn’t even wait until the second half to cock things up
The whole club has a soft streak running through it. They just needed to hoof it clear. Fuck!
Is it a self goal by Big Gabs ?
Incidentally he also handled the ball. There was a discernable tap movement of the hand. That was just before the ball bounced off him into the goal.
Goal given ,so no penalty 😂
We need a big 2nd half but we generally run on empty around 70 minutes and 5 subs don’t help. Why that is, is a complete mystery only known by Arteta. Havertz has been Pool’s best player by being absent in midfield where Jesus normally plays, so no change of tactics then.
Raya lacks the commanding presence required in the box…I doubt Ramsdake would have been so slow to react and we all know GD well that Emi would have been all over that ball
Ramsdale