Why Jurgen Klopp information “nervous” Arsenal followers – and the “drop-off” Liverpool can exploit – Liverpool FC

Liverpool’s journey to Arsenal is the standout recreation of the weekend, in what could possibly be such an enormous day within the Premier League title race.

The Reds understand how necessary Sunday’s conflict on the Emirates is, not solely when it comes to retaining the Gunners at bay, but additionally staying forward of Man Metropolis.

Jurgen Klopp‘s males gained 2-0 in north London within the FA Cup final month, however this could possibly be an even bigger check, given the magnitude of the event.

Wednesday’s excellent 4-1 win over Chelsea bodes properly, and Liverpool are of their finest type of the season at present.

With kickoff getting shut, This Is Anfield’s Henry Jackson spoke to Arsenal fan and author Matt Dawson (@mattddawson) to speak in regards to the title race, Klopp’s exit and way more.

How glad are you with Arsenal’s progress this season?

From a defensive viewpoint, I’m fairly happy with Arsenal this season.

Our numbers have seen an unlimited enchancment on the again this time period, however we nonetheless have the behavior of gifting easy targets away.

In an attacking sense, nonetheless, it has been massively disappointing to see our drop-off.

We’ve obtained some absolute game-changers within the closing third, specifically Bukayo Saka, however the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have each struggled.

Arsenal wanted a No. 9 in January, however didn’t get one, and we must wait till the summer time now to probably see a mega-money transfer.

Does Arteta nonetheless have the total assist of the followers?

Nicely and really, sure.

Studies in Spain final week steered he was going to depart the membership in the summertime for Barcelona (not fairly as huge as Klopp leaving), however the way in which he got here out defiantly the subsequent day was reasonably unbelievable.

Visibly indignant on the rumours, it cemented to Arsenal supporters that he’s absolutely dedicated to this mission.

It’s nice to see and there’s no doubting that he’s the appropriate man for the job.

Who has stood out and struggled probably the most this season?

William Saliba and Gabriel have been colossal on the again. We noticed within the reverse fixture at Anfield over the festive interval simply how good they are often when on kind.

In the meantime, Declan Rice has been titanic, after which within the assault, Saka is by far and away our most prolific contributor of targets and assists.

I believe probably the most disappointing figures has been Martinelli. He has appeared electrical at occasions, however the left-hand aspect of our assault has been problematic in 2023/24.

Hopefully, his two targets in opposition to Crystal Palace will spur him into life.

What are your ideas on Klopp’s shock departure?

I couldn’t imagine it once I noticed the information.

There was a wry smile, primarily as a result of it’d imply Liverpool fall off a bit when he departs, but additionally I couldn’t assist however really feel nervous.

If this doesn’t spur the Reds in the direction of the title then nothing will.

I needed Jurgen Klopp at Arsenal when Arsene Wenger was underneath fireplace, so I can’t sit right here and say I’m not a fan.

He has been a beautiful determine within the Premier League and will probably be unhappy to see him stroll away from Anfield on the finish of the season.

How do you assess Liverpool’s title probabilities now?

Final time we spoke forward of the reverse fixture, I mentioned Man Metropolis had been favourites. I believe I nonetheless preserve that viewpoint, though Liverpool have risen in my estimations.

This weekend is large. If Liverpool can beat Arsenal then it is going to put us out of the title race and solely elevate their very own probabilities.

This may seemingly boil right down to being a two-horse race, nonetheless a lot I need the Gunners to be there on the finish.

As for Sunday, the place will the important thing battles happen?

Diogo Jota in opposition to Arsenal‘s defence.

He at all times appears to attain in opposition to us, so discovering a solution to hold him quiet shall be key.

Past that, how both Conor Bradley or Trent Alexander-Arnold cope with Arsenal‘s left-hand aspect shall be fascinating to look at.

Alexander-Arnold is a person who has discovered Martinelli an absolute nuisance in years passed by.

In the event you may solely have one Liverpool participant at Arsenal, who wouldn’t it be?

Ha, nice query!

Mohamed Salah in all probability seems like the plain alternative, however I’d in all probability go for Trent.

In fact he will be suspect defensively, however there aren’t many footballers in world soccer who can do what he does, and would go well with the inverted full-back system Arsenal use completely.

Lastly, what’s your prediction?

I’m extremely nervous forward of this one. The pessimist in me can’t see Arsenal profitable.

I’d take a draw to simply about hold us within the race, however I reckon Liverpool could snatch it.

I’ll go for 2-1 to Klopp’s aspect.