Arsenal will be desperate to exact their revenge on Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp’s side dumped them out of the FA Cup in their own backyard last month
During Arsenal’s last practise before this weekend’s match, Mikel Arteta put his players through their paces. On Sunday afternoon, the Gunners and Liverpool will square off at the Emirates Stadium as both teams aim to gain a significant advantage in the Premier League title fight.
Arsenal is currently five points behind Jurgen Klopp’s team, who lead the table. The title race will, however, be completely upended if the North Londoners are able to win all three points, cutting Liverpool’s lead to just two points.
The last time the two sides met was only a few weeks ago when Liverpool dumped Arsenal out of the FA Cup in the third round. Despite concerns that the Gunners may face a similar fate, Arteta has insisted that his side are capable of beating the ‘big teams’.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, the Spaniard said: “Yeah we have done it. We have proven we can beat big teams, we come up against Liverpool now and we’re in a much better place.
“We talk about momentum. It’s been two wins and we want to make it three. It’s going to be an incredible atmosphere, we’re gonna need that. I encourage people to play with us every single ball. We’re going to need that.”
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at four things which you may have missed from Arsenal’s final training session before the Liverpool clash.
Zinchenko lays down the law
Zinchenko was spotted laying down the law at London Colney, encouraging his teammate to remain focused. The 27-year-old defender has been a key player in Arteta’s side since joining from Manchester City and his experience in the title race could prove invaluable.
Arteta offers Havertz some advice
Havertz has struggled to impress since joining Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer so, as the business end of the season approaches, Arteta will be hoping that the German can shift into gear soon. Some words of wisdom from his boss could be just the catalyst he needs – or simply just a goal against Liverpool!
Ballroom dancing experts
Gabriel Martinelli and Reiss Nelson appeared to be practising their ballroom dancing at one stage in training. Maybe they’re practising their quick feet or maybe they have an audition for Strictly Come Dancing on the horizon.
Winning team picture
Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Mauro Banderia, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Cedric and Aaron Ramsdale were on the winning team in training on Friday. While they’ll be hoping they did enough to secure themselves a place in Arteta’s starting lineup, it’s likely that only Odegaard and Martinelli feature.
