Arsenal are yet to defeat Liverpool at Anfield since the 2012/2013 season but Arteta believes his team can break the jinx today
By Kehinde Okeowo
Mike Arteta has said even though Arsenal are yet to win at Anfield for close to a decade, his side can break such a record if they play with determination today.
The Gunners take on Liverpool in the final English Premier League game on Saturday, in a match which could see Arsenal go above the home side if they win.
Liverpool, who are currently 2 points ahead of the Gunners, will however go 5 points clear of the away side if they can beat them.
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Arteta, while speaking on the match said Anfield is a difficult place to go and his players will have to give it their all to get a good result.
He however said it is possible to beat them, citing the away win at United last year as a reminder of why such a result is possible.
“It is always a test, it is a fascinating stadium to play football in,” Arteta said.
“You have to be at your best, and raise the level to your maximum standards, emotionally, physically, tactically, because if you don’t you will be exposed.
“Going to Anfield is always a test, but if you are able to do that, there are not many grounds as good as there to feel that you are a proper footballer.
“You really feel as a footballer you are in a place where you really have to give your best and when you do, it’s an incredible feeling, because you have overcome a really difficult and challenging situation.
“When you don’t, like it has happened other times, after you feel regrets for things that you haven’t done or you should have done differently, or you haven’t approached the game in the right way. I think it’s one of those places where you have to go there and believe on the day and show why you want to play football.
“I don’t know [why we haven’t won there more], obviously the quality of the opponent has a big say. It’s not a coincidence that last year as well before we went to Old Trafford, it was I don’t know how many years before we won at Stamford Bridge the same, but first of all you have to believe that you go there and that you can beat them, that’s the first thing.
“If somebody is not with that mindset, they should not put the shirt on and go to Anfield tomorrow and then as I said you have to raise individually your game to your best, emotionally, physically, technically and tactically you have to be able to suffer in the right moments, because there’s going to be moments where you’re going to have to do that and then as a team you have to have very clear ideas of what you’re going to do on that pitch to beat that side.” Arteta added.
Jurgen Klopp on the other side, praised Arteta’s effort in getting the team to the level they are now and said, Anfield crowd have a role to play in seeing them over the line.
“The way they came back is not normal, they have an incredible run of results, they are good. They know they were lucky in one or two games.”
“They have a really good team, Mikel is doing an incredible job. I’m impressed.”
“We need Anfield for this game. It will become even more difficult for Arsenal, it is difficult for Arsenal, because they know we are not bad as well.” Klopp said.
