solomonbrown64:
... Arsenal's record againstLiverpool since the reign of Klopp: 0W-3D-4L and 23 goals conceded.

.... We have also scored only 12 goals against them during his reign, two of which came in last season.

... Last time we defeated them was in April 2015, Last time we won at Anfield was in 2012.

... Last 4 times we faced them at Anfield : Conceded 15, Scored 5

.. Scorelines:
5-1
4-0
3-1
3-3 ...

... These are the facts and the reason why some of the fans including myself don't see us coming back with anything there especially if we fail to be disciplined in whatever approach the coach decides to use.

The game is a write off for me, so far we win all our winnable games, That's the reason I'll be happy with Burnley and Watford wins.

Anfield and Etihad are the only grounds I expect nothing from, other grounds are winnable or drawable..Though as a football fan, I'll go support and be hopeful, but won't be disappointed with any outcome so far it isn't a cricket score. ..

At the Emirates, we are good and teams will fear us, Even klopp confessed 1 point at the Emirates is a good result for him anytime.
Though I'm more confident with this squad than that of Litchterner,kolasinac,mustafi,koscienly we paraded last time

Fkhalifa:

The game is a write off for me, so far we win all our winnable games, That's the reason I'll be happy with Burnley and Watford wins.

Anfield and Etihad are the only grounds I expect nothing from, other grounds are winnable or drawable..Though as a football fan, I'll go support and be hopeful, but won't be disappointed with any outcome so far it isn't a cricket score. ..

At the Emirates, we are good and teams will fear us, Even klopp confessed 1 point at the Emirates is a good result for him anytime.
Though I'm more confident with this squad than that of Litchterner,kolasinac,mustafi,koscienly we paraded last time

.... Lol, I don't think it will be a cricket score but while we have not clicked yet, Emery now has a better squad and a very important player in Ceballos who is good in bringing the kind of moves Emery was known for at Sevilla. Forcing teams to come at them and then creating counter attacking moves through vertical play. I saw a glimpse of that on Saturday and I was impressed. Ceballos is key to anything we can get from that game.

..... We made lots of mistakes from that game last season and thank God some of the culprits won't be playing next weekend. Liverpool will be wary of our attack too so I expect them to be cautious. We are getting better at beating the press which is encouraging but the real test will be this week.

... The only thing I fear is our failure to head out balls in our last game. Guendouzi shys away from that, so did Sokratis. Monreal and at times Luiz were the ones heading the balls out. It was annoying and that is where Xhaka comes in and Chambers too. It's a dicey situation regarding people that will start that game. Robertson and Arnold are amazing with pin point crosses but if we fail to head out as we did against Burnley, we will be in trouble as Van Dirk, Matip and Firmniho are dangerous in the air.

solomonbrown64:


.... I don't think People realize the loss of Bellerin and Holding was massive to our horrible defeat at Anfield recently. Their loss was primarily the reason why the defense couldn't handle the pressure and press of Liverpool. Mustafi and Torreira contributed to 2-3 of their goals. Having Luis and Ceballos to beat the press will help a great deal. While we now have a scary attack, Niles is still a big problem.

.... Moreover, we can't go through with one plan and tactics in mind. We might either start with a flat four and try to seize control of the Midfield with excellent off the ball movement which we haven't perfected yet because Emery doesn't use the lines in Midfield, he prefers using the wings. So we will most likely use a 3 at the back at a point in the game. The exact one Emery starts with is what I can't tell. But absolutely, we can't go in with one strategy against them, just absorbing pressure and countering. That will be a grave mistake. If Emery tinkered with formation against a Burnley side, then I expect more tinkering against a team that come out in full throttle and play their best against the top six at home.

If Niles can focus more on defending I think he can have a good game. His major problem has been match reading. Not being a natural left back, he finds it difficult to track back when we lose possession.

Ceballos is a type that will help out in defending from midfield. In addition to being able to hold possession and release a through pass, he can break Liverpool's dominance in midfield.

Compared to last season, I think we have a good team to at least give Liverpool a run for their money.

Fkhalifa:

Everything except trophies.

Everything here amounts to nothing. Trophies are everything.

Spy360:

Everything here amounts to nothing. Trophies are everything.

Everything without trophy is failure? Okay sir.

Spy360:

If Niles can focus more on defending I think he can have a good game. His major problem has been match reading. Not being a natural left back, he finds it difficult to track back when we lose possession.

Ceballos is a type that will help out in defending from midfield. In addition to being able to hold possession and release a through pass, he can break Liverpool's dominance in midfield.

Compared to last season, I think we have a good team to at least give Liverpool a run for their money.

.... Niles problem is beyond tracking back, the guy just gives away the ball willingly and without pressure in dangerous positions. That madness will get us punished against a Liverpool team that thrive in forcing such things to happen and then go on to score. It's how we were demolished Last season. We lost a lot of the ball in dangerous areas. The guy gives me heart attacks whenever we play the top sides. I think only Man United are the only top side we have beaten with him in the team as a right back, the rest have been quite embarrassing.

.... Ceballos will be targeted for sure but he will be the key to anything we do. Liverpool's main attack comes through the wings, we just have to cut out their supplies to their wingers and frustrating Firmniho's game. That guy is their main man to me.

solomonbrown64:


.... Lol, I don't think it will be a cricket score but while we have not clicked yet, Emery now has a better squad and a very important player in Ceballos who is good in bringing the kind of moves Emery was known for at Sevilla. Forcing teams to come at them and then creating counter attacking moves through vertical play. I saw a glimpse of that on Saturday and I was impressed. Ceballos is key to anything we can get from that game.

..... We made lots of mistakes from that game last season and thank God some of the culprits won't be playing next weekend. Liverpool will be wary of our attack too so I expect them to be cautious. We are getting better at beating the press which is encouraging but the real test will be this week.

... The only thing I fear is our failure to head out balls in our last game. Guendouzi shys away from that, so did Sokratis. Monreal and at times Luiz were the ones heading the balls out. It was annoying and that is where Xhaka comes in and Chambers too. It's a dicey situation regarding people that will start that game. Robertson and Arnold are amazing with pin point crosses but if we fail to head out as we did against Burnley, we will be in trouble as Van Dirk, Matip and Firmniho are dangerous in the air.

Chambers is too slow for Anfield, Sokratis can beat firmino on air, luiz can battle it with Matip and V.dijk, We can cope with their crosses, the only thing I fear is their power and pace..
To stop Sallah, just choke all spaces to run at, Mane is almost unstoppable.
Guendozi can hold and calm possession in the middle, but won't cope with their energy and pace ...
Anfield isn't for xhaka, Torreira and Niles/luiz would have been the best option but they are untested.

Fkhalifa:

Chambers is too slow for Anfield, Sokratis can beat firmino on air, luiz can battle it with Matip and V.dijk, We can cope with their crosses, the only thing I fear is their power and pace..
To stop Sallah, just choke all spaces to run at, Mane is almost unstoppable.
Guendozi can hold and calm possession in the middle, but won't cope with their energy and pace ...
Anfield isn't for xhaka, Torreira and Niles/luiz would have been the best option.

...... Man City and Real Madrid showed how to beat Liverpool at their own game. Excellent off the ball movement is required which will require a lot from us. I don't think we are capable because our intensity this season has been below par which is due to a lot of reasons.

...Lol, Sokratis was there when Firmniho headed in the ball last season or was it Mane? He was also beaten by Sallah which caused a penalty but you are right, partnering him with Chambers isn't wise but I am still not convinced about our heading abilities. We allowed Burnley players to head the ball mostly undisturbed in our box last game. Let's hope things change in the next game.

solomonbrown64:


...... Man City and Real Madrid showed how to beat Liverpool at their own game. Excellent off the ball movement is required which will require a lot from us. I don't think we are capable because our intensity this season has been below par which is due to a lot of reasons.

...Lol, Sokratis was there when Firmniho headed in the ball last season or was it Mane? He was also beaten by Sallah which caused a penalty but you are right, partnering him with Chambers isn't wise but I am still not convinced about our heading abilities. We allowed Burnley players to head the ball mostly undisturbed in our box last game. Let's hope things change in the next game.

Liverpool didn't score headers against us, 2 penalties, firmnno slicing our defense,another look away goal and tap in for Mane...

Niles,Monreal, Torreira have to be very solid and ready for battles .
Burnley are arguably the no1 team on air in the league, we are always gon struggle against them.

Liverpool is by energy and pace, our back 5 were to slow and weak for them last time,
Iwobi and Niles were the only ones causing them problems, Auba was isolated, Ramsey struggled, Xhaka and Torreira didn't know what hit them, but we looked better when Laca came on.

We need laca and pepe to be very sharp, Auba's pace and cebaloss creativity..
Everyone else to the back, just defend and get the ball to those forwards.

Fkhalifa:

Liverpool didn't score headers against us, 2 penalties, firmnno slicing our defense,another look away goal and tap in for Mane...

Niles,Monreal, Torreira have to be very solid and ready for battles .
Burnley are arguably the no1 team on air in the league, we are always gon struggle against them.

Liverpool is by energy and pace, our back 5 were to slow and weak for them last time,
Iwobi and Niles were the only ones causing them problems, Auba was isolated, Ramsey struggled, Xhaka and Torreira didn't know what hit them, but we looked better when Laca came on.

We need laca and pepe to be very sharp, Auba's pace and cebaloss creativity..
Everyone else to the back, just defend and get the ball to those forwards.

.... Yup, We need athleticism and energy in that Midfield so at least we know Ceballos will start. His other partners in Midfield is what most don't know yet. The defense and attack naturally picks itself regardless of formation. The Midfield partnership is the question mark now. Pepe played 45 minutes, I think he can play 65 - 75 mins now. I don't want Nelson starting this game or Mkhi.

My team Vs Liverpool...
4-4-2
................. Leno................
Niles... Papa... Luiz... Mon

Xhaka... Torreira... Guen

............... Ceballos............

... ...... Pepe... Auba. ......


Idea is to choke the middle to deal with Liverpool press, and leave speedsters upfront to hazzle their defence. Ceballos who is skillful and can see a pass is tactically placed behind Pepe and Auba.

2-3
We win.

Spy360:
My team Vs Liverpool...
4-4-2
................. Leno................
Niles... Papa... Luiz... Mon

Xhaka... Torreira... Guen

............... Ceballos............

... ...... Pepe... Auba. ......


Idea is to choke the middle to deal with Liverpool press, and leave speedsters upfront to hazzle their defence. Ceballos who is skillful and can see a pass is tactically placed behind Pepe and Auba.

2-3
We win.

This will be good for 2nd half around 65th minute, that's if we leading or drawing the game, Starting that means our wings will be exposed..
Liverpool play more from wing than middle.

Fkhalifa:

This will be good for 2nd half around 65th minute, that's if we leading or drawing the game, Starting that means our wings will be exposed..
Liverpool play more from wing than middle.

.... Yup, one of many tinkerings we will see during the game depending on the direction of the game. Protecting the wings and frustrating their attacking moves should be our first priority for the duration of the first half while taking our chances.

Fkhalifa:

This will be good for 2nd half around 65th minute, that's if we leading or drawing the game, Starting that means our wings will be exposed..
Liverpool play more from wing than middle.

Wings will be covered with 3 DMs.

This tactical approach which is largely defensive will take care of assault from the flanks as well as centre, while maintaining threat up front. It's like taking an underdog status while remaining potent. Jose Mourinho would love this. Take a closer look.

solomonbrown64:


.... Yup, one of many tinkerings we will see during the game depending on the direction of the game. Protecting the wings and frustrating their attacking moves should be our first priority for the duration of the first half while taking our chances.

Liverpool actually employs a similar tactics in midfield which allows their fullbacks space to attack. It's also the middle three that follows up their pressing behind the front three.

Spy360:

Liverpool actually employs a similar tactics in midfield which allows their fullbacks space to attack. It's also the middle three that follows up their pressing behind the front three.

..... Then knowing Emery, he will put out a formation to counter theirs. We can't just start with that formation else Niles and Monreal will be roasted especially the former. Did you guys also notice that Pepe didn't track back enough last match? On a few occasions he watched as a Burnley attacker move past him a few times. I didn't like that but then he is still new as Auba was once like that but it just means that if he starts, we can't trust him to track Mane hence it will be risky to start with a back four or a formation that leaves the wings open when the fullback push up.

solomonbrown64:


..... Then knowing Emery, he will put out a formation to counter theirs. We can't just start with that formation else Niles and Monreal will be roasted especially the former. Did you guys also notice that Pepe didn't track back enough last match? On a few occasions he watched as a Burnley attacker move past him a few times. I didn't like that but then he is still new as Auba was once like that but it just means that if he starts, we can't trust him to track Mane hence it will be risky to start with a back four or a formation that leaves the wings open when the fullback push up.

The wings aren't open; Xhaka and Guendouzi are there as cover, including when our fullbacks push forward.

It is only on the offensive that we would have problems, but then we do not have the quality to pin Liverpool down, we can only depend on breaking and countering.

Spy360:

The wings aren't open; Xhaka and Guendouzi are there as cover, including when our fullbacks push forward.

It is only on the offensive that we would have problems, but then we do not have the quality to pin Liverpool down, we can only depend on breaking and countering.

.... Lol, a single ball over the top will finish us if we have to drag the midfielders to cover for the pushing fullbacks. I saw a lot of that last season.

... I think you watched the Burnley match and you saw how they kept crossing the ball into our box almost without hindrance. How many balls did Niles or Monreal block on Saturday? It was free loading that could have cost us. If Auba and Pepe track back then it will be manageable but if they don't then it's advisable we start with three centre backs. I don't have confidence with Niles defending against a decent winger until Bellerin returns. For God sake, he was beaten time and time again by fvcking McNeil. Common Oga Spy, we go get serious wahala for wings whether we are defending or attacking. Liverpool will be at their best, they are playing Arsenal not Norwich. We are rivals regardless of our current state.

...... Anthony Taylor will referee the Arsenal - Liverpool match.

..... I am not excited about this guy because of the sending off of Torreira last season during the London derby but he also gave Auba a soft penalty that he failed to score. Fingers crossed since VAR is now here.

I like what someone said earlier, that Burnley can never play City the way they played us. The same with Liverpool. Although we call some of these teams small, they know how to smell blood (weakness), and they would never let go of the opportunity to beat a 'big' team.

If we can develop an aggressive (not physical) style of play, one that would make most teams tremble, then some of the 'small' teams will mentally accept defeat once it's time to play us.

It's just like United of those days, they might have a rubbish 11 playing, but they would win convincingly. All teams feared them then. Same with city and pool. I hope Arsenal can get back to those heights.

By the way, I think Silent Stan actually cares about Arsenal or maybe it's Josh. But I like the new atmosphere around the club. Transfer window only closed a few days ago, yet they're already talking about January.

Reading the comments of other Gunners on Reddit is not funny at all. Most expect another bashing while some are cautiously optimistic

Mehn, I won't lie. I want us to win. I really do. Imagine beating Pool and Spurs back to back... I can't remember the last time we started the season 4/4.

On a side note, the battle for the top 6 will be brutal this year. Everton, Wolves and Leicester are not easy teams to beat ooo... The race for top 6 will be more interesting than the title race. Hopefully, we are challenging for the title

Seriously, what is our philosophy under Emery? we won’t be able to keep this momentum if we can’t play more convincingly with a clear philosophy.
Are we a possession based team? No. You know this when you see that even Burnley can register 18 shots at the Emirates, two more than Arsenal, unbelievable. We tried so many times to play from the back but we can barely even beat Burnley’s high pressing. What were we doing?
Are we a counter attack team? It doesn’t look like so because we tried to keep possession and control the game in our hands but just couldn’t do it well.
We were not able to create enough chances for our strikers and all three goals we scored more or less relied on the individual brilliance or the opponent’s errors. , instead of being created by our team play, which will make our goal scoring less reliable and less steady.

MrDojo:
I like what someone said earlier, that Burnley can never play City the way they played us. The same with Liverpool. Although we call some of these teams small, they know how to smell blood (weakness), and they would never let go of the opportunity to beat a 'big' team.

If we can develop an aggressive (not physical) style of play, one that would make most teams tremble, then some of the 'small' teams will mentally accept defeat once it's time to play us.

It's just like United of those days, they might have a rubbish 11 playing, but they would win convincingly. All teams feared them then. Same with city and pool. I hope Arsenal can get back to those heights.

By the way, I think Silent Stan actually cares about Arsenal or maybe it's Josh. But I like the new atmosphere around the club. Transfer window only closed a few days ago, yet they're already talking about January.

Reading the comments of other Gunners on Reddit is not funny at all. Most expect another bashing while some are cautiously optimistic

Mehn, I won't lie. I want us to win. I really do. Imagine beating Pool and Spurs back to back... I can't remember the last time we started the season 4/4.

On a side note, the battle for the top 6 will be brutal this year. Everton, Wolves and Leicester are not easy teams to beat ooo... The race for top 6 will be more interesting than the title race. Hopefully, we are challenging for the title

..... I think the Kroenkes trusted Gazidis and Wenger too much and pretty much allowed them free reign but they ran Arsenal badly. Losing money and valuable assets in players after years of investments in them. The one that broke the camel's back was slipping into Europa League. I think it was then they decided that they had to get involved. It's a good thing they did, at least now we know we are targeting something. I don't know the plans for January; a defender, right back or starting preliminary process in getting Ceballos or getting his replacement and that of Ozil ready. Perhaps.

.... If there's one thing I have learnt from Arsenal's subreddit is the fact that most fans don't value Xhaka at all... Lol. Dem no wan see am for field especially on Saturday and honestly neither do I. But the truth is; if he is fit he will start. Xhaka is actually a big game player and did quite well in big games last season except for the Liverpool defeat. He will be instrumental in putting those long diagonal balls through that will disrupt the Liverpool backline. Which is why Both him and Torreira cannot start against Liverpool. Should Xhaka start, Guen or Willock should be his partner. If not, it should be Guen and Joe in midfield. Torreira cannot start anyway, he got only ten minutes against Burnley.

... Wolves and Everton will flatter to deceive. Wolves have Europa commitment and will surely affect them depending on how long they stay in it. Everton have good players but the manager has always been the problem. A Rodgers at the helms of an Everton team will have me seriously worried. They should sack Silva if he doesn't deliver this season and appoint Rodgers IMO.

Swissh:
Seriously, what is our philosophy under Emery? we won’t be able to keep this momentum if we can’t play more convincingly with a clear philosophy.
Are we a possession based team? No. You know this when you see that even Burnley can register 18 shots at the Emirates, two more than Arsenal, unbelievable. We tried so many times to play from the back but we can barely even beat Burnley’s high pressing. What were we doing?
Are we a counter attack team? It doesn’t look like so because we tried to keep possession and control the game in our hands but just couldn’t do it well.
We were not able to create enough chances for our strikers and all three goals we scored more or less relied on the individual brilliance or the opponent’s errors. , instead of being created by our team play, which will make our goal scoring less reliable and less steady.

.... I think I have seen this question and exact post somewhere before , yesterday perhaps?

solomonbrown64:


.... I think I have seen this question and exact post somewhere before , yesterday perhaps?

I asked on Reddit.

Swissh:
Seriously, what is our philosophy under Emery? we won’t be able to keep this momentum if we can’t play more convincingly with a clear philosophy.
Are we a possession based team? No. You know this when you see that even Burnley can register 18 shots at the Emirates, two more than Arsenal, unbelievable. We tried so many times to play from the back but we can barely even beat Burnley’s high pressing. What were we doing?
Are we a counter attack team? It doesn’t look like so because we tried to keep possession and control the game in our hands but just couldn’t do it well.
We were not able to create enough chances for our strikers and all three goals we scored more or less relied on the individual brilliance or the opponent’s errors. , instead of being created by our team play, which will make our goal scoring less reliable and less steady.

We are watching this game from same angle. Reason I’ve not been carried away by the wins and all these talks about Emery’s tactics. Build up to the Auba’s first goal was an interception of Newcastle’s pass in their half, same with his second. Laca’s goal was by Agidi.

If we can’t string moves to beat these perceived small teams only to rely on their mistakes. How do we face the likes of City and Liverpool?

For me the style hasn’t changed much from last season, defense still pressured as before, midfield play hasn’t really improved, individual brilliance has been the saving grace so far.

Swissh:
Seriously, what is our philosophy under Emery? we won’t be able to keep this momentum if we can’t play more convincingly with a clear philosophy.
Are we a possession based team? No. You know this when you see that even Burnley can register 18 shots at the Emirates, two more than Arsenal, unbelievable. We tried so many times to play from the back but we can barely even beat Burnley’s high pressing. What were we doing?
Are we a counter attack team? It doesn’t look like so because we tried to keep possession and control the game in our hands but just couldn’t do it well.
We were not able to create enough chances for our strikers and all three goals we scored more or less relied on the individual brilliance or the opponent’s errors. , instead of being created by our team play, which will make our goal scoring less reliable and less steady.

This is really intelligent of you, i can't figure it out too. we all know under wengay we were tiki taka and teams hardly get 5 shots against us even if we lose the game but this emery just tire me we cant even boss teams in possession not to talk of shots on target

sod09:
This is really intelligent of you, i can't figure it out too. we all know under wengay we were tiki taka and teams hardly get 5 shots against us even if we lose the game but this emery just tire me we cant even boss teams in possession not to talk of shots on target

Possession Recycling tactics

kokaneprodigy:

Possession Recycling tactics

main reason i don't like that jerry curl boy, he slow down attack, passes sideways, try to get fouls when we never good on set pieces. Sometimes i just tire for their ball, the only good thing is we now press but we get tired doing that

Like some people here will say, Trophies are everything, so are 3 points..
We haven't won our first 2 games in 10 years, we did and some still want to squeeze Guendozi and Emery's head. Shameful!

There's a reason Bpl is the biggest and toughest league in the world, gone are those Wenger days where teams outside top4 are easy wins with possession..

You expect Newcastle and Burnley to respect Arsenal by not coming at us or leaving space for us to attack..

Have you all forgotten Newcastle was last team city lost to and even dropped points against before Spurs this last sat?

The same Burnley held chelsea fighting for UCL at the bridge and won their first game 3-0...

We should understand we do not have our full and standard 11 yet..
Bellerin,Holding,Tierney and Luiz are still to be integrated as the season progress..

Torreira is coming gradually,Guen didn't do much pre season and he is partnering with unfamiliar bodies, Willock and Nelson are new to the system.

Cebbalos and Pepe are still understanding the culture here ...

Why not chill a bit, by October, the team would have oiled, for now 3 points is what matters, no one cares about bossing the games..

Only city and Liverpool boss teams Here and even in Europe, l.pool even struggled at Southampton, they could have lost..

Individual efforts is part of the game, there are games you see Messi,Ronaldo,Neymar,Hazard,Sanchez,Sterling, Henri,Sallah and many more where their individual brilliance saves the day..

Auba did it for us And thats incredible, there's a reason we spent fortune on him, Even Pepe's individual brilliance made lille runners up with Lille.

But some clubs are still beating them black and blue.


Gone are those days really.

You are missing the point if u think any critic is talking about score line.

The argument is based on how we are playing and how are the deployed tactics creating scoring opportunities and dominating games. You don’t have to even score to dominate a game.

There’s nothing spectacular with the way we’ve played so far as a team, those last two games we won were games we could have easily earned a point or even lost. A lot of peeps couldn’t wait to hear the final whistle.

You can win a game 1-0 and still be dominant cos u really pressed the opponent, created lot of scoring chances but were unfortunate not to get more than a goal. I can live with that.

With Emery if Auba and Laca didn’t turn up we would hardly score compared with Wenger days where you see goals from anybody on the pitch due to his tactics. What would Emery have achieved with a striker like Giroud that could decide to go weeks without a goal?

Then even Xhaka was a goal threat these days he’s a shadow of himself.

What we are saying is, his approach is not sustainable it’s just a matter of time what happened 2nd half of last season repeat itself when u face teams in the bottom half fighting to avoid relegation.

kokaneprodigy:
But some clubs are still beating them black and blue.


Gone are those days really.

If you see how Granada abi Getafe gave Atlectico Madrid problem at the metropolis, you'll wonder, Jao Felix struggled, At the final whistle Simeone ran inside in jubilation like they already won the league, just 1-0 win on day1 despite thier spendings...

The Kroenkes will not respect Emery if he isn't seeing result, All that money in one summer and all you can show is good football? Baba jumped up after Auba's goal, his contract is under the line, he changed formation asap..

I understand our games have holes, but as the season progress, we'll get better..
Fact remains we will control some games and there are some we'll be outplayed.

Na everybody spend money for summer