On Sunday, Mikel Arteta acknowledges that Arsenal must keep their composure if they are to break their Anfield curse against Liverpool.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stressed the importance of keeping a cool head ahead of the Gunners’ highly anticipated clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Despite currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table with an eight-point lead, Arsenal has struggled to secure a victory on the red half of Merseyside in recent years.
The last time the Gunners secured a Premier League win at Anfield was back in 2012, a game in which Arteta played a pivotal role. Since then, the North London club has suffered seven consecutive away losses against the Reds, conceding an alarming 25 goals in the process.
During their last visit to Anfield, Arsenal suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat, with emotions running high as tensions boiled over on the touchline.
Arteta, who was involved in a heated exchange with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp during the match, acknowledged that he did not appreciate how he came across in the heat of the moment.
“I would have to be in the situation again. I reacted to defend our players the best possible way but I don’t like seeing myself like this so hopefully not,” he said.
“It happens in football and after that we hugged each other and moved on. The last time we were together nothing happened.
Despite the heated history between the two sides, Arteta maintained a level of respect for Klopp’s achievements at Liverpool. He praised the Reds for their ability to create an intimidating atmosphere at Anfield, which has made it a tough venue for any visiting team.
“They a great team managed by a top manager and they create an incredible atmosphere that makes it very difficult for any opponent.
“It is the same to come to the Emirates. It’s very, very difficult so we know that and the opportunity is there ahead of us in Sunday.
Arteta also highlighted the Gunners’ recent successes in breaking longstanding away records. He believes that his side has the potential to continue this trend by securing a much-needed victory at Anfield on Sunday.
Asked if it is important for everyone to keep their cool on Sunday, Arteta replied: “Yes. They know that. They experience that. We know what we have to do. We’ve played in the toughest places.
“We went to White Hart Lane and did what the team did, the atmosphere doesn’t get much tougher than that.”
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to deliver on Arteta’s expectations and break their Anfield hoodoo. However, one thing is for sure – the Gunners will need to be at their very best if they hope to get anything out of this crucial encounter.