Arsenal Face Must-Win Match Against Premier League Pacesetters Liverpool
Injury-hit Arsenal have little room for error when Premier League leaders Liverpool visit the Emirates on Sunday despite losing just once so far this season. Two under pressure managers face off at the London Stadium as Julen Lopetegui aims to quell disquiet among the West Ham support against Erik ten Hag's Manchester United. AFP Sport looks at the key talking points ahead of the weekend action. Depleted Arsenal face Liverpool testArsenal were tipped to push Manchester City all the way again this season after twice coming so close to a first Premier League title since 2003/04.
But it is Liverpool who lead the way after a near flawless start to Arne Slot's reign.
The Gunners shock 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth last week leaves them four points behind the Reds and three adrift of second-placed City.
Arsenal could be without three of their most important players with William Saliba suspended, Martin Odegaard sidelined by an ankle injury and Bukayo Saka a doubt due to a hamstring problem.
Defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber could also be missing and Mikel Arteta has called on the Arsenal fans to be the 12th man on Sunday.
"The place has to be rocking here against Liverpool to give us all the possible energy that they can," he said.
Liverpool, with 11 wins from 12 matches in all competitions, are flying under their new manager but victory against Arsenal would be the clearest statement yet that they are genuine title contenders.
Man Utd hunt goals against struggling West HamManchester United showed encouraging signs of life in their comeback win against Brentford last week, with Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford linking up well in attack.
It was a welcome sight for beleaguered manager Ten Hag,