Liverpool v Arsenal is a Premier League fixture that has come a long way since just over eight years ago, when Arsenal lost 4-0 to Liverpool in Anfield, in one of the early games of the season, which couldn’t be more wrongfully timed as Arsène Wenger endured one of his darkest days at the helm.
Less than a decade later, the Gunners no longer carry the tag of fragile pretenders. Under Mikel Arteta, they stand tall as genuine title contenders, turning from bullied to bully in big fixtures.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have already lived through their renaissance under Jürgen Klopp. That journey is now a closed chapter, decorated with trophies.
Under their new Dutch manager Arne Slot, the Reds have hit the ground running by winning the league title in his first season, and are now seeking to sustain their dominance and keep Anfield as one of the toughest fortresses.
This Liverpool v Arsenal Premier League fixture on Sunday is more than just a game. It is a test of pride, records, and early bragging rights in the title race.
Arsenal’s Transformation Against the Big Six
The contrast could not be sharper. From winning just two out of 40 away games against the big six during Wenger’s last years and Arteta’s early rebuild, Arsenal now carry an aura of defiance.
Since their 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in April 2023, the Gunners are unbeaten in 22 games against the traditional big six, winning 13 and drawing nine. That run gives them an average of 2.00 points per game, by far the best in these fixtures since the start of last season.
Yet, Anfield remains a fortress they haven’t conquered in over 12 years. Arsenal’s last league win there was a 2-0 triumph in September 2012, with Arteta himself playing in midfield.
Since then, they’ve gone 12 league visits without victory, losing seven, though they’ve managed to draw their last three, and came the closest to winning in each of those visits.
Liverpool’s Anfield Record at Stake
Arne Slot’s side will defend more than three points on Sunday, they’ll be defending the Anfield record that has defined their identity for years.
Liverpool have lost only three of their last 81 Premier League home games, none of them against top clubs. Since their 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last season, they are unbeaten in 18 league matches at Anfield.
The Reds have scored in 98% of their league games under Slot, a record unmatched by any manager with 15 plus games in Premier League history.
Arsenal have pushed them close in recent visits. From taking 2-0 leads only to draw, to fighting back from 2-0 down last season, the Gunners have shown resilience. But ending the drought will mean as much psychologically as it does on the table.
Bragging Rights in the Title Race
Both sides come into the clash perfect after two matches, already looking like the two biggest Premier League contenders. For either side, halting the other’s winning run is not just about the standings — it’s about planting a flag in the ground.
If Arsenal win, Arteta’s process gains its clearest validation yet, and critics starts to ponder if this could actually be the season they get it over the line and win the major silverware.
If Liverpool win, Slot begins to look like a manager capable of replicating Guardiola’s dominance.It is early bragging rights, but ones that shape perception and set the tone for the season.
Who Should Be More Desperate?
Both have reasons.
For Arsenal, the desperation is historic. It’s been 13 years since their last Anfield win, and such milestones often define title-winning seasons. Arteta knows that conquering Liverpool away would not only add belief but also keep the momentum needed to dethrone The Reds.
For Liverpool, desperation lies in pride. Anfield is their fortress, their identity. Losing there early would dent the aura to retain title. With Mohamed Salah still searching for his sharpest form, new signing Hugo Ekitike will shoulder some responsibility, alongside Cody Gakpo.
Arsenal Strengths
Even without Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s attack remains dangerous. Eberechi Eze could make his Arsenal debut at Anfield, a ground where he already has a match-winning goal from last season with Crystal Palace.
Viktor Gyökeres is fresh off a brace against Leeds and will test Liverpool’s defence with his power. Gabriel Magalhães, a set-piece threat, has scored at almost every big away ground except Old Trafford.
At the back, Arsenal boast a defence that hasn’t conceded more than two goals in a game since November 2023, one of the strongest records in the world today.
Form Guide | Liverpool v Arsenal
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last four games, winning the last two.Arsenal are unbeaten in five straight, since losing three in a row in spring.
Liverpool are unbeaten in six at home, including last season’s 1-1 with Arsenal.Arsenal are unbeaten in 14 league away games, winning seven.
Both teams have scored in each of the last six Premier League meetings between them.
Key Players to Watch | Liverpool v Arsenal
- Mohamed Salah: Seven league goals against Arsenal, one away from equalling the fixture record.
- Gabriel Martinelli: Four goals against Liverpool, chasing Andrey Arshavin’s record of five for Arsenal in this fixture.
- Mikel Merino and Martinelli are the only current Arsenal players to score in both league meetings with Liverpool in a single season.
- Liverpool’s last five goals in this fixture came from five different scorers, including a Gabriel Magalhaes’ own goal.
- Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has kept Premier League clean sheets against all the other members of the Premier League except Liverpool.
Conclusion | Liverpool v Arsenal
Sunday’s clash is more than a top-of-the-table Premier League fixture. It is Liverpool defending the pride of Anfield and Arsenal chasing the shadow of 2012, desperate to end their 13-year wait for a win at the ground.
It is a test of history, hunger, and early authority in the title race.
Who blinks first at Anfield could shape the story of the season.
