Arsenal face arguably their toughest Premier League assignment of the season when they visit Liverpool on Sunday, with the champions needing to produce a statement performance at Anfield.
The timing could hardly be more challenging for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, whose side suffered an embarrassing Carabao Cup elimination against League Two Fleetwood Town on Tuesday.
Losing on penalties to fourth-tier opposition was a disappointing setback, particularly when Liverpool secured their own shootout victory over Chelsea to reach the quarter-finals.
However, Arsenal cannot afford to let that result undermine their confidence ahead of a fixture that could have significant implications for the title race.
Manchester City have set the early pace, and Arsenal must keep collecting victories if they intend to defend their Premier League crown.
A draw at Anfield would ordinarily represent a respectable outcome, but the circumstances demand greater ambition from the visitors.
Liverpool have won nine of their last 11 matches across all competitions, losing only once during that sequence.
They have also recorded three consecutive home victories under Andoni Iraola, making Sunday’s encounter an especially demanding test.
Arsenal’s record at Anfield offers little encouragement, with the Gunners failing to win any of their previous 13 Premier League visits.
Their last league victory at the ground came in September 2012, a drought that has persisted through several generations of players.
Nevertheless, Arsenal have won five of their last six away league matches and should approach this fixture believing they can finally end that sequence.
The biggest concern is their depleted squad, with Bukayo Saka and William Saliba unavailable, while Max Dowman must serve a three-match suspension.
Injuries have also disrupted Arteta’s preparations elsewhere, reducing his options against opponents capable of exploiting even minor weaknesses.
Yet Arsenal cannot use those absences as an excuse, particularly after establishing themselves as the team to beat last season.
Winning championships requires overcoming difficult circumstances, and Sunday presents an opportunity to demonstrate that resilience.
Arsenal must remain organised defensively without becoming overly cautious, while their attacking players need to make the most of limited opportunities.
Liverpool’s strong form means the visitors cannot expect to dominate proceedings, but they must show enough courage to pursue all three points.
The Fleetwood defeat should serve as motivation rather than a lingering distraction.
Arsenal have already demonstrated their quality throughout the campaign, and one poor cup performance should not define their prospects.
However, champions are ultimately judged by their responses to adversity.
Ending their long Anfield drought would send a powerful message to Manchester City and reinforce Arsenal’s determination to retain the title.