'It's hard': Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly names which Liverpool player is the toughest opponent he's ever faced
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Liverpool face Arsenal on Sunday as last season’s top two come head-to-head again in the Premier League.
The Gunners have a good recent record against the champions, going unbeaten against them in each of the past three seasons.
However, Arsenal have not won a league match at Anfield since 2011, a fact which will no doubt be lingering in players’ minds as they arrive on Merseyside.
Liverpool have dished out some humblings during those years, with Mohamed Salah regularly turning into Arsenal’s tormentor in chief.
Salah has scored 10 goals against the Gunners in his Liverpool career, and has often given nightmares to whoever is playing at left-back.
On Sunday, it could be Myles Lewis-Skelly who is tasked with keeping the Egyptian quiet.
But according to the Arsenal youngster, that is easier said than done.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Salah has not started the season in the best of form.
Having been quiet in the Community Shield, he could not really get into the game against Bournemouth or Newcastle.
Nevertheless, the 33-year-old has still been effective, claiming a goal and an assist so far.
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Lewis-Skelly has first-hand experience of Salah’s magic already.
And while speaking to Sky Sports this weekend, the 18-year-old admitted the Liverpool superstar had been his toughest opponent so far.
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“Not directly up against, but probably Mo Salah’s movement,” he said, when asked who has given him the hardest time.
“He has like an instinct.
So, probably him.”
Lewis-Skelly had a brilliant breakout year in the Premier League last term, but even he struggled to contain Salah.
On Sunday, while Mikel Arteta could start the youngster, it feels more likely that Riccardo Calafiori will get the nod.
The Italian has started both of Arsenal’s two matches so far at left-back, with Lewis-Skelly reduced to a substitute’s role.
Salah, and Liverpool in general, have regularly had joy against Oleksandr Zinchenko being on the left of Arsenal’s defence, but with the Ukrainian frozen out and looking for a move, there is no chance of him playing this time.
Whoever Salah is directly up against, expect him to be a key figure as Liverpool aim to take what would be a huge three points.