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Arsenal will have to be at their absolute best defensively on Saturday afternoon if they’re to stand any chance of securing a positive result against unbeaten Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. Beyond their back four, the Gunners have to work as a unit and defend from the front as a team.
On the chalkboard
In Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, the Reds boast some of the most fearsome wide attackers in the league. What’s more, with full-backs Hector Bellerin, Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac all fitness doubts for Saturday’s game, Unai Emery could have to call upon back ups in the wide defensive roles.
Regardless of who the Spaniard selects, his full-backs are going to require support in dealing with their opponents. Arsenal’s wingers must track back and drop deep to aid the defenders on their flank.
Emery must therefore get his selections right in the more advanced areas of the pitch to ensure that his full-backs aren’t exposed.
Safety first
In central midfield, the pace, stamina and mobility of Lucas Torreira will be vital as the tenacious Uruguayan will be required to cover plenty of ground quickly as he lends necessary support in the wide areas of the pitch.
Arsenal’s full-backs themselves must be guarded in their offensive endeavours. Whilst they can add weight to their team’s attacks, the left and right-backs must be constantly alert to the threat of being caught out of position high up the pitch and consequently punished by a counter-attack.
Finally, in selecting his wingers, Emery must prioritise defensive diligence. The likes of Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck and Aaron Ramsey can all operate in wide roles and be trusted to work hard defensively. Mesut Ozil, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are less suited to these instructions.
