Arsenal could be blindsided by Liverpool's uncharacteristic weakness at Anfield

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Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · Pain in the Arsenal ↗

Arsenal are set to face a different Liverpool team at Anfield, as reported by Pain in the Arsenal. The Reds have changed their style under new manager Andoni Iraola, moving away from Jurgen Klopp's high-intensity pressing. Liverpool now employ a more conservative possession-based approach, according to the source. This change could catch Arsenal off guard if they expect the same level of intensity from Liverpool.

Liverpool's current approach under Iraola is characterized by aggressive pressing numbers, but with less distance covered than other teams, as per Opta Analyst data. In contrast, Arsenal top the table for distance covered per match, according to FotMob data. This contrast between the two teams' styles could be a key factor in Sunday's match, with Arsenal potentially exploiting Liverpool's lack of intensity.

Pain in the Arsenal suggests that Arsenal can capitalize on Liverpool's weaknesses, particularly in midfield. The Reds lack a tenacious defensive midfielder to break up play, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch being more effective in possession than out of it. Deploying combative midfielders like Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly could help Arsenal exploit this vulnerability.