Mikel Arteta has laid out the challenge before Arsenal’s trip to Anfield, making clear he wants his side to finally end a record that has lingered for far too long.
Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to end their 14-year wait for a Premier League win at Liverpool when they travel to Anfield on Sunday.
Arsenal have not won a league game there in over a decade, but Arteta was in no mood to spend much time looking backwards ahead of the match.
He said he expected a “big game on Sunday, we’re looking forward to it for sure”, adding: “It’s 14 years that we haven’t won there, so it’s time to do it”.
“I think all the top clubs are certainly title challengers, and it’s so early in the season, when you look at the squad, the manager that they have and the history for sure,” he said.
“We expect a big game on Sunday; we’re looking forward to it, for sure. It’s 14 years that we haven’t won there, so it’s time to do it.”
Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Christos Tzolis all trained on Friday and could be available if they come through Saturday’s session without any further problems.
There is more uncertainty around Noni Madueke, who needs to complete a full training session before Arteta can decide whether he is ready to be involved.
Asked how his side could stop Alexander Isak, Arteta replied: “By keeping him as far from the goal as possible.
“We always try, it’s not only him, it’s all the connections that they have, especially when they have space to run. We know how dangerous they are.”
Sunday will also bring Arteta back up against Andoni Iraola, his childhood team-mate.
Arteta described the chance to face him as a “privilege” and a “blessing”, and recalled the “beautiful moments” they shared when they were younger.
Let’s hope it is only the Arsenal manager who is still talking about ‘beautiful moments’ by the time the final whistle has gone.
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