“That’s not something we’ve done for a while” – Ian Wright highlights major ‘question’ against Arsenal ahead of Liverpool showdown
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has questioned whether his former team will be able to sustain a high level of intensity against Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend.
The Gunners travel to Anfield on Sunday (April 9). Mikel Arteta's men have won their last seven league games to open up an eight-point lead atop the standings over second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
They will look to continue their winning streak but will have to put their Anfield demons behind them. The North London giants have not won in the league at Liverpool since September 2012 when they emerged 2-0 victors.
Wright, though, reckons the Gunners have what it takes to win on Sunday and is excited for the contest. However, he also believes that there are questions over their ability to keep up their energy levels for 90 minutes. The Englishman said on the "Wrighty's House" podcast (as quoted by the Liverpool Echo):
"I think Arsenal have the energy and the capabilities to cause Liverpool problems. It’s a question of how long we can sustain it at Anfield because that’s not something we’ve done for a while there. Can we sustain the pressure you need so Liverpool don’t go bang, bang, bang? That’s what I’m excited to see.If we can beat them – which I think we can – then I’m starting to get very excited."
Wright, who scored 156 goals in 264 games for Arsenal, winning the Premier League and two FA Cups, added:
"I’m excited as it is, but these are the huge games in a title race. I think Arsenal can do it. I’m confident Arsenal can do it. It’s so exciting. I can already feel the buzz around that game.
"With what’s going on at Liverpool; it’s the time to attack them and get them to answer some questions. I know we’re going to have a period in that game where if Liverpool are not at it; we’re probably going to score a couple of goals. That’s what I’m excited about. I like our mentality and we’ve got to go there and do what we’ve been doing over the past month or so."
Jurgen Klopp's Reds are coming off a goalles draw with Chelsea and a harrowing 4-1 defeat at Manchester City in the league. They're on a four-match winless streak across competitions and desperately need to pick up all three points.
Liverpool thrashed Arsenal in last Premier League meeting at Anfield
Both teams have clashed once this season, with Arsenal emerging 3-2 victors at the Emirates last October. However, the last time they met at Anfield in the Premier League was in November 2021.
The situation was different for both teams then, with the Gunners fighting for a top-four finish, while Liverpool were on course for an unprecedented quadruple. The Reds were ruthless, winning 4-0.
Sadio Mane, who joined Bayern Munich last summer, gave Jurgen Klopp's side the lead six minutes before half-time before Diogo Jota made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute. Mohamed Salah added a third from Mane's assist 21 minutes later before Takumi Minamino's 77th-minute strike sealed an emphatic win.