Report: Arsenal analysts think they've spotted something different about Liverpool ahead of Sunday's match
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Liverpool will face another early test of their title credentials when they welcome Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday.
The Reds survived a late Newcastle United comeback as Rio Ngumoha broke a 28-year-old Premier League record with his match-winning goal at St James’ Park.
Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike had given the visitors a commanding lead, albeit against the run of play, and were only minutes from leaving the North East with just a point.
Newcastle dominated the opening exchanges, but once Anthony Gordon received his marching orders for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk, the momentum truly swung in the Reds’ favour.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
However, Liverpool have now surrendered a two-goal lead in both Premier League outings thus far, and while the new-look side looks to build their chemistry, Arsenal believe they have noticed something important ahead of the clash on Sunday.
According to The Independent, Arsenal analysts believe the Reds are playing much more unpredictably than last season, and as journalist Miguel Delaney reports, it also makes Arne Slot’s side much more susceptible defensively.
“In Arsenal’s analysis for this Sunday at Anfield, they have already noticed something different about Liverpool beyond new players.
Hence the soaring beauty of Rio Ngumoha’s raucous winning goal against Newcastle United.
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“That can make this Liverpool team much more unpredictable, especially as stars like Mohamed Salah attempt things others couldn’t imagine.
A fitting game for Eberechi Eze to make his debut, perhaps.
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“The offset is that it also makes Liverpool much more open, to go with Arne Slot’s front-loaded system.
So, if someone like Florian Wirtz loses the ball when trying something riskier, there’s instantly much more space in behind.”
Jamie Carragher has been vocal about Liverpool’s defensive issues throughout the start of the season – the Reds have conceded six goals in three competitive outings.
It is natural for new signings to need time to adapt to the expectations at Anfield, but the defensive frailties have been evident for all to see, with Ibrahima Konate producing woeful displays thus far.
The Reds have scored seven goals in two Premier League matches, but will face one of the best defensive units in the league on Sunday and will need a much more complete defensive performance to gain an early advantage in the title race.
When speaking in his pre-match press conference at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta weighed in further on the new style of play Slot is implementing at Anfield.
“I think the individual characteristics at the end are what changed, how they use the ball as a team, and it’s clear that a certain player receiving the ball in certain areas with different qualities, the outcome is going to be different.