Although still in shock because Liverpool dropped the 2-1 lead when there were less than 3 minutes of added time in the match against Fulham, Virgil van Dijk affirmed that The Kop had no reason to be confused before the away match to Arsenal.
First of all, we will overcome this defeat. From Tuesday onwards, we will definitely analyze them" - the Dutch international said about the leading team in the Premier League.
They have a very strong squad, both players on the field and reserve options. Everyone knows they are unbeaten at home this season in all competitions, so we must be ready for a big battle.
But this is an interesting challenge and I really look forward to this match. I think everyone should too. That is the only way to try to get a good result away from home. In my opinion, there is no reason not to look forward to this match" - Van Dijk emphasized.
However, the majority of Liverpool fans probably do not share the same view. In fact, the majority of The Kop fans are worried about a heavy defeat against Arsenal. And that worry is not without basis.
There is little basis to believe that Liverpool's playing style under Arne Slot will become softer when playing away at Emirates. Former Feyenoord coach once expressed dissatisfaction with accusations that Liverpool is playing a bland football.
At the pre-match press conference, Slot said he only "used other words" to describe Liverpool's current operation, and emphasized the need to place that playing style in the context of "certain factors". Especially the absence of many important factors.
Slot also reiterated the view that Liverpool's biggest problem in creating opportunities stems from the fact that they often face deep defensive systems, and use long passes to break the pressing mechanism. This explanation implies that Liverpool can still play well, even attractively, when facing opponents who are willing to play offensively.
However, it is very difficult for Arsenal to repeat the mistake at Anfield. It is likely that The Gunners will actively attack and increase the pace - a scenario enough to make many Liverpool fans uneasy.
Not only are set pieces always potentially risky, Liverpool may also face a difficult problem in midfield if Martin Odegaard continues to maintain signs of recovery and Declan Rice maintains impressive form.
On both wings, the difference between Andy Robertson or Milos Kerkez playing as starters on the left wing seems not too big, because Bukayo Saka is still the drill with the ability to create high breakthroughs on Arsenal's right flank.
In the context that Hugo Ekitike is also predicted to be absent due to injury, the away team will really face a big problem in creating pressure on the defense considered the most solid in the Premier League. Even when Florian Wirtz has more space than usual to deploy counter-attacks, Liverpool still lacks a sharp enough spearhead.
However, it cannot be denied that Liverpool still possesses sufficient personnel quality to cause difficulties for Arsenal. And they also cannot hide their discomfort when they have to go to North London to snatch fourth place, instead of entering the confrontation as the number one candidate for the top spot.
Therefore, Van Dijk, his teammates and Slot see this match as an opportunity to reposition themselves. Although the championship defense journey may have broken down, Liverpool's season has not yet closed.
We still have many goals to strive for in the Premier League, and we are also playing in the FA Cup and Champions League. These are all knockout matches, where you can meet teams like Arsenal.
Therefore, this match is also important for us to know where we are in a knockout scenario, to see how we perform against a very, very strong Arsenal" - Slot shared.
