Focus | Anfield curse reappears? Liverpool vs. Arsenal s championship battle is comprehensively ahead!

Before the focus battle in Anfield this Sunday, let's comprehensively evaluate the championship qualifications, summer window signings, injury risks and current status of the two giants.

football reporter Ben Bloom believes that although the coaches always emphasize that "the August game cannot determine the title", a strong dialogue at the beginning of the season can often have a profound impact on the subsequent trend.

After three weeks of battle, there are only three teams left in the Premier League that have maintained a complete victory: Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham. Last season, these two teams also fought desperately for the championship. Therefore, the collision this weekend is undoubtedly the highlight that all fans are looking forward to.

The question is: Can Arsenal get rid of the label of "runner" and win the Premier League championship that has been away from for more than 20 years? Or will Liverpool once again rely on Anfield's dominance to make their opponents hate it?

1. In the summer of high-priced purchases, normally, the defending Premier League champions do not spend a large amount of money to strengthen after winning the championship, but Liverpool does the opposite. They reportedly invested nearly £300 million this summer and may continue to strengthen before the transfer window is closed.

coach Slot spent almost no money when he first took office, but now he has completely transformed his lineup. Florian Werz, Hugo Ekitic, Milosh Kelkz, Yeremi Flinpon and Giovanni Leoni joined one after another, and Georgian goalkeeper Mamaldashvili also officially transferred after loan.

Arsenal's moves are also quite large, almost competing with Chelsea to be the "second largest buyer". Arteta has brought in Kepa, Zubimendi, Christian Nolgo, Maduaike, Moscla and Victor Jucres, and last week signed Crystal Palace core Eberec Eze.

2. Status comparison

Arsenal was in a hot state, defeating Manchester United in the first round, and defeating Leeds 5-0 in the second round, scoring 6 goals and conceding in full morale.

Although Liverpool also won both games, the process was far from easy. They rely on goals at the last moment to pass the thrilling mark. Although Slott's team has not played dominant, the characteristics of the championship are often "won't win but not lose points."

3. Arsenal's injury shadow

Arsenal was plagued by injuries last season, with players missing for 1,297 days due to injuries, second only to Brighton, Tottenham and Ipswich. Now that the competition has only started two rounds, the familiar troubles of injuries have come again. Saka, Odgau, Havertz and Jesus are all expected to miss the Battle of Anfield.

However, Arteta is more confident: "We are more confident to deal with these situations now than last season." The arrival of Yorke, Maduaike and Eze has indeed significantly increased the thickness of the bench. Eze has no injury problems and is likely to have his Gunners' debut directly at Anfield.

Former Crystal Palace coach Glasner commented on his beloved disciple: "Eze never hides at critical moments, he is the kind of big scene." This may be exactly what Arsenal needs at Anfield.

4. The contrast between the two teams' defenses

Liverpool and Arsenal are both fierce in firepower, scoring 7 goals and 6 goals in the first two rounds, but the gap is significant on the defensive end.

Arsenal still maintains zero conceds, continuing the level of defense with the least conceded goals in the Premier League in the past two seasons. The central axis of Raya, Gabriel and Saliba are almost indestructible, and the full-backs can still contribute goals in the rotation.

In contrast, Liverpool's defense is full of loopholes, only better than West Ham, Wolves and Leeds' conceded goals. Kelkz exposed his shortcomings on the left, and Flynnon even let Sobosloy play the right-back after being injured. Fortunately, Van Dyke's experience is in charge, otherwise the situation may be worse.

5. Anfield spell

When the "spear" meets the "shield", the usual result in Anfield is a draw: the two teams shook hands and made peace in the last three league matches here.

But historical data are extremely beneficial to Liverpool. Arsenal has never won at Anfield since September 2012. Meanwhile, Liverpool has lost only one time in the past 20 home Premier League games.

Although Arsenal has no longer stage fright when facing "BIG6" in recent seasons, Anfield has always been a fortress they cannot conquer.

6. The Rise of Young Genius

This game may witness the future of the two supernovas.

15-year-old and 235-day Arsenal young player Max Dowman made a substitute last round and became the second youngest player in Premier League history and won a penalty kick. He was hailed as a "Messi-style genius."

Two days later, Liverpool new player Leo Ngumoha (16 years old and 361 days) scored the winning goal against Newcastle, becoming the fourth youngest goalkeeper in the Premier League. Slott praised: "He is not afraid, this is the temperament of a top player."

Whether these two teenagers can play in Anfield, they herald the future of the two giants.

7. The next schedule is more difficult. In the future, the international matches will face Forest, Manchester City and Newcastle one after another, and take into account the Champions League group stage. Liverpool's schedule in September is slightly lighter, but it still has to face tough battles against Everton, as well as Chelsea and Manchester United in October.

Therefore, this Sunday's strong dialogue is not only a battle of points, but also a battle set by the season.