Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has warned the Anfield natives why Arsenal are “doing very well” ahead of Saturday night’s clash at the top of the Premier League table.
The Reds host the Gunners with the biggest spot up for grabs for the winner. Arsenal head to Merseyaspect, the most sensible in the Premier League table after 17 games. But Mikel Arteta’s side are just one point behind third-placed Liverpool with Aston Villa in second. after 18 games.
Arsenal and Liverpool have established themselves as two of England’s groups this season. Both hold the defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded just 15 goals so far. They also ranked fifth (35) and third (36th) in goals scored. in the first 17 games.
Arteta’s side avoiding defeat at Anfield would also see the Emirates Stadium side top of the Premier League table until Christmas in back-to-back seasons. Arsenal trailed Manchester City by five points last Christmas but lost the title 22/23 to City by five points. .
So, Van Dijk firmly expects a ‘very tough’ time when Liverpool host Arsenal. The centre-back has also outlined why he thinks the Gunners are ‘very good’, noting how Arteta has strength throughout their team. But Van Dijk also believes the Reds can give the Gunners a challenge.
“We have a very difficult game ahead of us,” Van Dijk told Liverpool’s website. “Arsenal are in a very intelligent moment. Obviously, it will be a vital occasion that I look forward to. They are very intelligent. They are a very smart team in every aspect.
“I think they are very good and we also have to be very good this weekend to win the game. But I like to look at my own team and I like to look at what we can bring to the table, and we also have a lot to do, and we can also make it very difficult for them.
“I have enormous respect for them. But I want to win the game and we will do everything in our power and strength to make this happen.
Saturday’s encounter will put Arsenal and Liverpool’s form to the test as they fight to top the Premier League table. Per WhoScored, only Manchester City (17.7) averaged more shots per game when playing on the road during the opening 17 top-flight fixtures than Arsenal (14.9).
But Liverpool ranked fifth in the top rankings for the fewest shots allowed per game (9. 9) at home. Van Dijk was also one of the main reasons for his record thanks to his 15 appearances. He has the second-most tackles (22) Alexis Mac Allister (31), as well as the most interceptions (23).
So while Van Dijk believes Arsenal are “very good” in “every aspect”, Arteta will consider the 32-year-old as one of the Liverpool stars that the Gunners will have to find a way to beat if they need to win this Saturday. It would also be the Londoners’ first win at Anfield since September 2012.