Mikel Arteta makes Anfield admission as Jamie Carragher predicts Liverpool v Arsenal resut
Mikel Arteta has defended the training methods he used to prepare for Liverpool as depicted in the Amazon Prime documentary ‘All or Nothing’, as Arsenal manager describes Anfield as a “jungle.”
‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was playing in the background as Arteta put his players through their paces on Arsenal’s Colney training ground during one of the episodes. It ultimately failed, as Jurgen Klopp’s team went on to win the subsequent match 4-0.
When asked if the Gunners’ return to Anfield this afternoon had bolstered the stadium’s reputation as a fortress, Arteta responded, “It depends.”
“If you want to isolate only a context that is about an atmosphere you’re going to live in, then they should not shoot on goal. Because if they have to shoot on goal on Sunday, don’t shoot on goal on Thursday just in case you miss.”
“You have to prepare the players, you have to tell them what they’re going to be facing and you have to recognise that. And an error and a mistake comes after an opportunity to do that and develop yourself.
“You have to expose yourself, you cannot train the players in the zoo and then go to the jungle on Sunday. It’s impossible.”
Arsenal seeks to extend its lead atop the Premier League standings, while Liverpool battles for European qualification ahead of the upcoming season.
Jamie Carragher names Liverpool player Jurgen Klopp must start against Arsenal and shares score prediction
Jamie Carragher urged Jurgen Klopp to start Thiago Alcantara against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon at Anfield.
The Spanish midfielder has been sidelined since the beginning of February, missing Liverpool’s last 10 matches in all competitions. His absence has been a significant blow to the team’s form, as he has missed 10 consecutive matches.
Klopp will not need to be reminded. Sunday’s match is a must-win for Liverpool to keep their Champions League hopes alive, while Arsenal will look to continue their push for the Premier League crown.
Unlocking the Arsenal defense, which has conceded the third-fewest goals in the Premier League this season, will not be easy. The potential return of Thiago, however, could play an important role in this regard.
This week, the 31-year-old midfielder returned to first-team training, and Klopp confirmed at his Friday press conference that he is in contention to play.
Explaining why the Liverpool boss cannot afford to leave the ex-Bayern Munich man out of his starting eleven, Carragher told Sky Sports’ Essential Football Podcast: “It will be interesting to see what role Thiago plays, whether he goes on the bench and he comes on or if he starts the game.
“Only Jurgen Klopp knows how fit Thiago is, but if there’s no chance of a recurrence of an injury I’d probably start him. If he’s anywhere near, I would be putting Thiago straight in that team and trying to get the foot on the ball and a bit of possession and creativity from that position.
“That will be the plan,” added Carragher on whether the visitors will look to dominate the midfield area. “For a lot of the game Liverpool may play like the away team – similar to what they did against Manchester City.
“Liverpool will have the crowd with them and it’s just whether Arsenal can cope with that. Arsenal will try and dominate on the ball.”
Pushed for a score prediction, the Bootle-born Liverpool legend added: “I’ve got the Anfield factor in the back of my head, there could be an atmosphere and could that get to Arsenal players?
“There are still a lot of young players in there and some of the best teams in the world come to Anfield and can’t cope. There is no shame in that. I can never go against Liverpool at Anfield and I don’t think I ever have or ever will. I will go 2-1 Liverpool.”
Mikel Arteta makes Anfield admission as Jamie Carragher predicts Liverpool v Arsenal resut
