Overview
Liverpool's overall win after the opening two rounds of the Premier League is not surprising. However, the way they got new points really caught the eye, especially their 3-2 win over Newcastle in a one-man victory.
Notably, in both matches this season, Liverpool have lost the advantage of a 2-0 lead. In the opening round against Bournemouth, Federico Chiesa came off the bench and rotated the situation. As for the away trip to St James' Park, young talent Rio Ngumoha made history as the fourth youngest scorer in the Premier League, sealing an emotional victory for The Kop.
If we have to draw a conclusion after the first 2 rounds, it is Liverpool's attacking power that is somewhat obscuring the weaknesses in the defense.
Coach Arne Slot admitted that his team really struggled against Newcastle's physical strength in the most recent match. And when it comes to physical strength and solid defense, there are few opponents more formidable than the name Liverpool are about to face: Arsenal.
On the other side, coach Mikel Arteta entered the season with a lot of pressure, after Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for 3 consecutive seasons. To change the situation, the "Gunners" have increased their force strongly.
They recruited Viktor Gyokeres to add to their attack, bringing in midfielder Martin Zubimendi - a goal that Liverpool had pursued - along with two technical strikers, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze.
However, the defense continues to be a solid support for Arsenal. The "Gunners" have kept a clean sheet in both matches at the beginning of the season, defeating Manchester United 1-0 and burying Leeds United 5-0. They are also one of only two teams yet to concede a goal in the Premier League this season, along with Tottenham (before round 3).
The upcoming confrontation therefore promises to be an exciting clash between a steel defense and a fiery attack - an early battle between the two leading candidates for the championship.
In fact, this is the earliest meeting between the two teams to finish in the top 2 last season, since the 2017-2018 season, when Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-1 in round 2.
Although their defensive ability has not yet met expectations, Arne Slot's Liverpool continue to show their destructive power on the attack front. This has become a mark since the Dutch strategist took charge.
Statistics show that The Kop have scored in 39/40 Premier League games under Arne Slot, reaching 98% - the highest in the history of the competition for any coach who has led for 15 or more matches. Since the start of last season, Liverpool have scored 93 Premier League goals, 17 more than any other opponent, and have the highest expected goals (xG), up to 86.4.
The Anfield side are also maintaining a 36-match streak of consecutive Premier League goals - the third best in the competition's history. Only Arsenal (55 games, 2001-2002) and Tottenham (39 games, 2023-2024) have done better.
Since the start of the 2023-2024 season, Arsenal have scored 33 goals from corners in the Premier League - more than any other team in Europe's top five leagues at the same time. Notably, the "Gunners" have scored from corners in 3 consecutive matches, and have never done this in the previous 4 consecutive matches.
If Mikel Arteta and his team continue to win and keep a clean sheet, this will be the first time Arsenal have started with 3 empty wins in the domestic league since the 1924.25 season.
Jurrien Timber could be a decisive factor on both sides. The Dutch defender has contributed to 5 goals in his last five Premier League appearances (2 goals, 3 assists).
In the win over Leeds, the Timber even made a rare milestone of becoming the first defender to score 2 goals and have 1 assist in a match, since Liverpool's Martin Skrtel against Cardiff City in March 2014.
Head-to-head record
Liverpool are on a six-match winless streak against Arsenal in the Premier League (D4 L2). This is their worst record against the "Gunners" in the league since an 8-match winless streak in 2007-2011.
However, Arsenal do not have many good memories at Anfield. They have failed to win in their last 12 visits to Liverpool, since a 2-0 win in September 2012 - when Mikel Arteta was playing.
Notably, the last 4 matches between the two teams at Anfield in all competitions have ended in draws, including a dramatic score chase in May.
The match between Liverpool and Arsenal takes place at 22:30 on August 31 (Vietnam time).
