Arsenal are flying at high altitude after winning a series of convincing victories at the start of the season. However, they can free fall if they fail to achieve a positive result at Liverpool.
The Community Shield title has turned out to be a positive asset for Arsenal to navigate the 2020/2021 season. Moreover, the team that was defeated in the charity match was the defending Premier League champion, Liverpool.
Arsenal, which last season was known as a mediocre team, was able to keep up with the Reds’ attacking game. Even London Cannon was able to take the lead in the first half through Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang before being equalized by Takumi Minamino in the second half.
The match had to be determined through a shootout which Arsenal won with a score of 5-4. The victory in this charity match turned out to be an impression and reinforced the confidence of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Arsenal are going through the season with confidence. Wins against Fulham (3-0) and West Ham United (2-1) in the Premier League and recently managed to beat Leicester City (2-0) in the Premier League Cup.
Arsenal’s three successive victories have been achieved in the same way: a game that is attractive and interesting to watch like the Arsene Wenger era. Understandably, Arteta himself was trained by Wenger before deciding to retire at Arsenal.
However, Arsenal under Arteta’s control have not really tested. Last season he handled Arsenal midway and was only able to finish eighth.
Inconsistency is still a big problem that Arsenal cannot escape. Disappearances have been commonplace lately in Wenger’s leadership until he switched to Unai Emery and caretaker Freddie Ljunberg.
Arteta currently has a big responsibility to get rid of the ‘disease’ of inconsistency that has been so strong for Arsenal.
Arsenal fans certainly hope Arteta can bring their beloved team to fly high constantly. However, they also should not dream high before visiting Liverpool headquarters.
Meeting Liverpool is a real test for Arsenal. The attractive game of Aubameyang et al will be challenged by the aggressive attack of the Reds who have the most respected trident today: Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool under the leadership of Jurgen Klopp have also not changed much this season. Only Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich can make the main squad.
So far Liverpool have remained terrifying up front but doubtful in defense. It was proven against Leeds in the Premier League match which ended with a score of 4-3.
Despite the win, the promotion team conceded three goals to be a danger for Liverpool. This means that their defense has not been very solid this season.
However, Klopp was able to cover up the weakness of the back line against Chelsea. The Reds were even able to win 2-0 at the headquarters of the Blues, which this season is full of star players.
The victory at Stamford Bridge is certainly an important asset for Liverpool when they host Arsenal on Tuesday (29/9).
Last season Liverpool and Arsenal beat each other in the Premier League. Liverpool first won 3-1 at Anfield and were forced to give up 1-2 when they visited the Emirates Stadium.
Similar results have occurred outside of the Premier League. Liverpool eliminated Arsenal in the Premier League Cup while Arsenal beat Liverpool in the Community Shield.
Now, the Gunners who are also on fire will face the real test at Anfield. Arsenal can continue to fly high if they win or vice versa if they lose to the defending champion.
