Arsenal's recent history at Anfield should give Liverpool confidence
Saturday's massive top of the table clash between Liverpool and Arsenal is one of the biggest of the season to date. Based on recent history, the match taking place at Anfield should be a boon for the Reds.
Arsenal have not won in their last 10 visits to the Kop in all competitions. They have a paltry record of 0-4-6 in their last 10 trips.
Granted, the draws have been more recent, but there are still some absolutely heavy beatings they have taken in front of the Liverpool faithful.
5-1 in 2018, 4-0 in 2021 and 4-0 in 2017 all come to mind among others. Whatever the case is, the Gunners have not performed well in this environment regardless of their form coming in. With the significance of the match on Saturday you can bet the Anfield cauldron will be boiling over.
I think Jurgen Klopp is keenly aware of the advantage his homefield gives the lads more so than a lot of managers are. There is a special connection between Liverpool and its fans.
That is why I found it interesting that Klopp felt the need to call out the Anfield supporters following the West Ham destruction. He implored the fans to come ready or not at all.
To so publicly chastise your own supporters is a bold move, but I believe it just reiterates the fact of how important he and the rest of the club know the Anfield edge is. The magic that has occurred on that ground over the years is remarkable.
No team is safe. Manchester City, Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United and more have all been humbled over the years.
Based on Wednesday's performance, it appears that the Reds are firing on all cylinders and will come into the match against Arsenal in full force.
You couple their fine form with a full-throat Anfield crowd and there is no wonder why Arteta's men will not be eager to get off the bus on Saturday. One thing that cannot happen is to allow the Gunners an early goal though.
If the Reds leave a slight opening, this Arsenal team is talented enough to burst through, hostile environment or not.
Previous iterations of Arsenal teams have crumbled under the intense pressure caused by both Liverpool players and the supporters. I believe they have better leaders these days so it won't be as easy to break them.
However, even with that said, I think this Saturday is going to be a watershed moment in the first half of the season.
I think it will be one of the best atmosphere's we've seen all season and both teams will be playing on the front foot. It should make for pulsating viewing from the stands or the television.
At the end of the day numbers don't lie. Arsenal haven't won at Anfield in a very long time and they would probably be more than happy with a point on Saturday. The Reds are uniquely setup to deny them that and perhaps more.
Either way you slice it, the Anfield advantage is as strong as ever. Hopefully the lads put it to good use.