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Liverpool vs Arsenal: A Title-Defining Early Clash at Anfield

By on August 20, 2025

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If you’re an Arsenal fan, you don’t need reminding of what Anfield means. It’s one of the most intimidating grounds in world football — a place where Arsenal’s dreams have so often come undone. But this is a new era for the Gunners, one built on Mikel Arteta’s steel, resilience, and belief. On Sunday, 31st August, Arsenal march into Merseyside not just chasing three points, but looking to plant a flag in the ground that says: we are ready to be champions.

Liverpool, of course, are the defending Premier League winners. Few thought they’d pull it off last season after Jürgen Klopp walked away, yet Arne Slot — arriving from Feyenoord with little fanfare — turned doubters into believers by guiding the Reds to the title with weeks to spare. Credit to them, but Arsenal fans know this season has to be different. We’ve come second three years running. Enough is enough.

Anfield is a test of character. It’s where champions are forged. And if Arsenal want to go one better this year, this is the kind of ground we must walk into with fire in our eyes.

The State of Play

Liverpool kicked off their title defence with a chaotic 4-2 win over Bournemouth, capped by late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah. Slot’s side may have changed tactically, but they’re still a threat in the final third.

Arsenal, meanwhile, went to Old Trafford on opening day and did something we rarely do: win. A 1-0 victory may not have been flashy, but it was huge psychologically. United away has been a graveyard for us in the past, and to grind out a result there — even if the performance wasn’t perfect — shows a maturity that’s been missing in previous title tilts.

Now comes Liverpool. Arsenal haven’t lost to the Reds in their last six Premier League meetings — two wins, four draws — our longest unbeaten run against them in over a decade. The most recent clash at Anfield saw us come from two goals down to grab a 2-2 draw. That comeback summed up Arteta’s Arsenal: relentless, fearless, and never beaten.

But let’s be honest. It’s been over 12 years since Arsenal last beat Liverpool at Anfield. That record has to go.

Why This Matters

This fixture isn’t just another early-season clash. It’s a tone-setter. Manchester City won’t slow down — they’ll be back to their best this season – and Liverpool ran away with the title last year. If Arsenal want to dethrone them, we can’t afford to lose early ground to them.

Liverpool at home are a machine. They haven’t lost to Arsenal at Anfield since 2012. But Arsenal are a different animal now. William Saliba and Gabriel have formed the best centre-back pairing in England. Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi together give us control and bite in midfield. And up front, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and new signing Viktor Gyökeres form an attack with goals, pace, and unpredictability.

This isn’t about hanging on and hoping for a breakaway. This is about walking into Anfield and showing we’re equals — or more.

Match stats and head-to-head

  • Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Arsenal have scored 31 goals from corners in the Premier League — 11 more than any other side. Liverpool? Just 20. Set pieces matter.
  • Martin Ødegaard has now captained Arsenal to 71 league wins. Only Tony Adams (130) has more as skipper, while Patrick Vieira is level at 71. Ødegaard is already in legendary company.
  • Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches against Liverpool (W2 D3), our best run against them since 2007–2011.
  • Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 15 home games against Arsenal in all competitions, a streak stretching back to 2012. If there was ever a time to end that, it’s now.
  • Viktor Gyökeres didn’t manage a shot on his Premier League debut at Old Trafford. Expect that to change here.

How to watch

The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, kicking off at 4:30pm at Anfield on Sunday 31st August. Subscribers will be able to follow all the action on their TV, or via the Sky app on mobile or tablet devices.

Alternatively, fans can watch the game live at Anfield. Understandably, the match sold out quickly but supporters can still buy tickets via secondary marketplaces such as Seatsnet.com.

Team news

Kai Havertz is sidelined with a knee problem, awaiting further assessment. Gabriel Jesus is still on the road to recovery from his ACL rupture, though he’s back training on grass.

The big concern is Ben White, who came off against Manchester United and hasn’t trained since. Losing his versatility would be a blow. Summer signing Christian Nørgaard, who missed the Old Trafford win, is also doubtful.

Still, Arteta has depth now. Jurrien Timber’s return gives us options, while Riccardo Calafiori and Ethan Nwaneri are pushing for more minutes.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has concerns in defence. Right-back Jeremie Frimpong picked up a hamstring injury on debut and may miss this clash. With Conor Bradley also sidelined, Liverpool could be stretched at full-back, an area Arsenal’s wide men will surely target.

Midfield options improve for the Reds with Ryan Gravenberch available again after suspension, while youngster Stefan Bajcetic continues his battle with long-term injuries.

Predicted starting lineups

Liverpool: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.

Prediction

This isn’t the Liverpool of Klopp’s peak years, but Anfield remains a fortress. Arsenal’s recent unbeaten run against the Reds gives us confidence, but ending a 12-year wait for a win here won’t be easy.

Both sides are gunning for the title. For Liverpool, this is about proving Slot can repeat Klopp’s trick. For Arsenal, this is about showing we’re no longer the plucky challengers, but genuine favourites.

Arsenal’s midfield battle — Rice and Zubimendi against Mac Allister and Szoboszlai — will likely decide the tempo. If Saka can isolate Kerkez or Gomez on Liverpool’s right, we’ll create chances. And Gyökeres has the physicality to trouble Van Dijk, something few strikers manage.

But Liverpool at home rarely roll over, and Salah’s threat remains ever-present. This could be cagey, tactical, and full of nervy moments.

As much as every Arsenal fan wants the big away statement, a draw here wouldn’t be disastrous. It would keep our unbeaten start intact and underline our resilience.

Prediction: 1–1 draw. A tight, tense battle. Gyökeres to grab his first Arsenal goal, Salah to respond, and the Gunners to leave Anfield still unbeaten — with the feeling that this year, the return fixture at the Emirates could be where we finally tip the balance.