During Friday’s pre-match press conference, Arsène Wenger spoke of the challenges Liverpool will pose when they visit the Emirates Stadium on Monday evening.
In the same fixture last season the Gunners blew Brendan Rodgers’ side away to take a 3-0 lead into the break. The game eventually ended 4-1, with the Liverpool goal coming from the penalty spot.
Wenger on #AFCvLFC: “We had a very convincing performance last season. Everything clicked on the night and it was a very good game.”
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 21, 2015
Nonetheless, Wenger is not anticipating a straightforward match against the Merseyside club this time around.
Boss on #AFCvLFC: “They’re a different team to last season. Confidence is linked with your last result. We responded well at Palace.”
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 21, 2015
Liverpool, then, will have plenty of confidence having won their opening two games of the season. Philippe Coutinho is under a lot of pressure, taking over from Raheem Sterling as chief creator and a main goal threat.
Christian Benteke got off the mark for his new side against AFC Bournemouth last Monday, while Roberto Firmino is still waiting to make an impact. Liverpool have spent a huge £77M this summer (per Transfermarkt) after splashing out £106M 12 months ago. Luis Suárez and Raheem Sterling have both left but, with additions like Nathaniel Clyne and Emre Can, there is little excuse not to have a strong side.
Wenger expects a true test in just the third match of the season and is aware of the difficulties that poses.
Wenger: “You would want these games later in the season but it’s more difficult to organise with so many big teams in the league.” #AFCvLFC
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) August 21, 2015
As we, and the boss, have already said in recent weeks every club now has players that can hurt you, we’ve already faced Dmitri Payet and Yohan Cabaye in the opening two fixtures.
The Premier League is incredibly challenging, this is the biggest challenge for Arsenal so far in a young season.