Liverpool host Arsenal in an early-season battle of two title protagonists this weekend, so we’ve got the view from the Gunners ahead of the game.
The Reds take on Mikel Arteta’s side on Sunday afternoon, and both teams have started with back-to-back wins.
Albeit without being wholly convincing yet, the weekend action is a great chance for one side to take an early advantage.
With kick-off getting closer, This Is Anfield’s Henry Jackson spoke to Arsenal fan and award-winning illustrator Matty Long (@Matty_Long) to talk all things Reds and Gunners.
How happy are you with Arsenal’s opening two games?
It has been a mixed bag, but I’m happy overall.
We played poorly at Old Trafford but came away with all three points. I’ve seen us play much better there and lose.
Leeds was an enjoyable rout, but you can’t ignore the first 30 minutes and how we couldn’t break them down until we scored from a corner.
We’ve also picked up some injuries, too, which hit a sour note.
Has Arteta made any tactical tweaks from last season?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Nick Potts/PA)
Most notable so far is how quickly we’re trying to move the ball up the pitch for Viktor Gyokeres.
Mikel Arteta is encouraging his players to find him early and give him balls to run on to rather than receive with back to goal like Kai Havertz.
This has had mixed results so far.
Against Man United, his runs weren’t seen or found. This was the case against Leeds as well, until Calafiori hit a first-time ball into the left channel for him to run onto and score from.
It will take some time to figure out.
How has Gyokeres settled in, as well as other signings?
HONG KONG - Thursday, July 31, 2025: Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres during the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 pre-season match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Houspur FC at the Kai Tak Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He seems to be doing fine, albeit not at full fitness and totally in sync with those around him.
It’s great for him to get off the mark early, though. I think the spotlight on him is a bit too harsh – he doesn’t need to be a 30-goal-a-season striker.
If he adds 15 to our goals for tally from last season, that would put Arsenal in a very competitive spot.
I like watching him. He’s a bit rough around the edges, a bit of a rampaging bull with a one-track mind.
The others seem to be settling okay, too – Martin Zubimendi is already looking like our best buy of the summer.
What are your thoughts on Liverpool so far?
Liverpool left it late to secure a dramatic 3-2 win at Newcastle (Owen Humphreys/PA)
They have had similar games to Arsenal – a tricky away fixture and a home fixture you would expect to win.
I don’t think Liverpool hit the heights in either game, but have still come away with maximum points. I see that as ominous for everyone else.
Picking up points as you move through the gears is what champion teams do.
I think Hugo Ekitike looks ready-made for the Premier League and is going to score a lot of goals.
Who are your early title favourites?
Rio Ngumoha hit the late winner for Liverpool (Owen Humphreys/PA)
I still think you could flip a coin between Liverpool and Arsenal, but given our newfound depth, I would still say us by a fine margin.
I think they will be feeling the pressure a bit more than Liverpool, but who can say if that’ll be to our benefit!
How do you expect Arsenal to line up on Sunday?
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard is treated by medical staff after going down injured during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday August 23, 2025.
I’d guess: Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
If the captain hasn’t recovered from his shoulder injury, we might well see Eberechi Eze start in midfield.
It feels odd picking Gabriel Martinelli, given he was an unused substitute against Leeds, but with Bukayo Saka out, I expect Noni Madueke to start on the right wing.
Where will the key battles take place?
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Monday, August 25, 2025: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I do think Madueke vs. Kerkez could be one to watch.
I think the former Bournemouth man is still taking time to adjust to his new team and Arsenal could find some joy there.
I’m also interested in the midfield battle and whether Arsenal can impact that more than they did against United, where they just got overrun at times.
I’m expecting a really tough game against Liverpool, regardless of how they have played so far.
Finally, hit us with your prediction…
PHILADELPHIA - Wednesday, July 31, 2024: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot (R) and Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at the Lincoln Financial Field on day eight of the club's pre-season tour of the USA. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
We haven’t lost to another ‘Big Six’ side in the Premier League in over 20 games now, and while that has to end at some point, I’ll back us to at least get a point until it does.
And I think that’s what will happen here. Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal.