Mikel Arteta says he is unbothered about Arsenal’s poor run at Anfield in recent times though admits it would be a tough venue to win at, despite Liverpool’s recent struggles.
In Arsenal’s last ten games at Anfield in the Premier League, the Gunners have managed just one win, alongside seven losses and two draws. Despite Liverpool’s struggles this season, Anfield has remained an incredibly tough ground to come to and it is highlighted by the fact that Leeds United are the only side to beat them there so far in the league.
Arteta is well aware of the above but notes that his side have broken several bad omens and runs this season and is confident of another occurrence against Liverpool at Anfield.
Arsenal are capable of winning at Anfield, says Arteta
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta said: “We’ve been to a few grounds this season where we haven’t won in 17, 18 and 22 years and we have managed to do that. So we are capable of [winning at Anfield], that’s for sure.
“We really need to embrace the moment and go for it. The team is full of enthusiasm and positivity and we know that we have a big challenge, but I see a big opportunity to go to Anfield and do something that we haven’t done for many years. That’s what is driving the team in the last few days.”
Coincidentally, or not, Arsenal’s last league win at Anfield came at the beginning of the 2012/13 season, and Arteta was part of the Gunners’ starting XI, with Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla getting on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win.
Arteta spoke on that win, saying: “It felt great because, before that win, it had been many years since we had done it. We did it once more: I think it was the year before when van Persie scored in the 95th minute. So some beautiful memories, an incredible stadium to play in and just a unique experience for any player or manager.”
When asked why Anfield was such a tough venue to win at, Arteta responded: “They are a great team, managed by a top manager and they create an incredible atmosphere that makes it really difficult for us, for any opponent, as it is when to come to the Emirates.
“It’s very, very difficult, so we know that, and the opportunity is ahead of us there on Sunday to do something that we have done in the last two or three years, to win in places that the team didn’t do for many, many years.”
“We have prepared for that, expecting the best possible Liverpool and us being the best that we can be and with that, we’re going to have a chance to win the game.”
