Jurgen Klopp took no time in getting the pre-Arsenal mind games started on Saturday, calling Mikel Arteta’s side “outstanding”.

In a fairly significant reversal of fortunes compared to last season, Arsenal have started the new campaign in almost faultless form, whilst Liverpool struggle to put results together.

Liverpool have 10 points from their first seven games, winning just two of those matches. Though they have a game in hand on Mikel Arteta’s side, they’ll go into next week’s game 11 points behind their opponents.

Jurgen Klopp’s side dropped two points at home to Brighton on Saturday, coming from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 before surrendering that lead with seven minutes left.

Speaking after the game, Klopp suggested they’re expecting another test next weekend.

“I know then Arsenal is coming and we saw glimpses of their game against Tottenham,” Klopp said.

“They are outstanding at the moment so that is obviously not an easy game. But we will give it a proper try.”

There’s obviously some modesty from Klopp in the suggestions that his side will simply “give it a proper try” against Arsenal. The Gunners have lost the last three games at home to Liverpool, and they’ve only won three times since 2015/16 in any venue and in any competition.

Despite recent form, Liverpool aren’t going into this fixture as underdogs. But it makes sense that Klopp would want to frame it that way.