There were a couple of nervy moments against a typically-spirited Blackpool at Bloomfield Road but Arsenal got their title challenge back on track after three straight draws and now, with Manchester United playing their FA Cup semi-final this weekend, they have the opportunity to increase the pressure on the league leaders by winning their game in hand and closing the gap down to a far less comfortable four points. No simple task though with a resurgent Liverpool coming to the Emirates.
Match Result: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
Goal Scorers: Van persie and Dirk Kuyt
Liverpool’s form has drastically improved since Kenny Dalglish took the helm and Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez were added to the squad. However, they’re still lacking real consistency and are something of a dodgy bet away from Anfield. Under Dalglish’s guidance they’ve notched impressive wins over United, Chelsea and City but at the same time they’ve been particularly poor in defeats to West Ham, Blackpool, West Brom and Sporting Braga. All away games.By closing down the Liverpool midfielders quickly and limiting the options of their defenders when they get the ball at the back, Arsenal will force the visitors to play a lot of long balls forward to Carroll. Although good in the air, Carroll is far less effective when he’s isolated up front having to deal with long balls from the back. Allowing him to win the initial header and concentrating on the second ball has been a successful tactic for those teams who have beaten Liverpool of late. Abou Diaby’s physicality should give him an edge if Dalglish goes with the diminutive holding midfield pairing of Leiva and Spearing again.
Of course the best form of defence is attack and though Arsène Wenger is still missing some personnel at the back, up front he has nearly everyone back fully fit. Robin van Persie’s injury problems look to be behind him and the Dutch striker is the 4/1 favourite to open the scoring in this game. Although he hasn’t been at his best of late, Andrey Arshavin has scored five goals in his last four games against Liverpool, albeit four in one game, and if he starts he’s at least worth a look at 13/2 to score first. The 80/1 on him to score a hat-trick may be a something of a more hopeful punt though.
Arsenal have won the last two meetings between these teams at Emirates Stadium and are unbeaten against the Merseysiders in six games home and away. You don’t get 8/11 on Arsenal at home too often and though Liverpool are coming off an impressive win over Man City they have struggled away from home all season, no matter who has been in charge.
