So far this season Liverpool has been cruising in the Premier League and find themselves in top spot when entering the hectic Christmas schedule. As always it will be an intense time; after which the league usually becomes more structured and discernable. Two words that so far have been most notable for their absence in the English top division. With the exception of West Bromwich and Blackburn that have shown signs of lagging behind; the league is still surprisingly open from top to bottom and even these two teams can quickly propel themselves up the standing with a few wins. The ol’ top four no longer rule supreme and are finding it increasingly difficult to break down lesser sides. No where been more true than in North London.
Since the exuberant blog about the Gunners back in early September, they have taken several unexpected blows. Losing points to teams they would normally expect to collect maximum points against. The slippery slope began to tilt against surprise package Hull and for a while Arsenal even looked like they might be cut off from the title race. However, a couple of wins against other top four sides has put them back in to contention. Currently trailing eight points behind the Merseyside Reds, Arsenal have another big “must win” against the pacesetting Liverpudlians at the Emirates Stadium this weekend. A loss could indeed be devastating, while a win would once and for all take them back into serious contention for the crown.
Liverpool meanwhile is cautiously optimistic about their chances of winning the title for the first time since 1990. Which is truly an amazing dry spell for a club of that stature. Whilst manager Benitez recovers from kidney stone troubles (although expected to be back in the dugout this weekend), the Reds fans will no doubt be less than cautious about their chances to win at Arsenal and end up on top at the end of season. No doubt that the Liverpool team have the determination, tactical awareness and skill to pull off such feats, still, they must keep a cool head and take every game as it comes. Easier said than done no doubt, but, optimism and confidence in equal measures; are important building blocks by themselves in the murky wood that is sports psychology.
It is a game that can shape a season, reverse fortunes and become the stuff of legends. Simply put; a game you just must win. With such a volatile precursor of proceedings, much will also hang solely on the shoulders of the referee. To keep cool when emotions flare and not let the game slip out of his hands; like unfortunately many times will happen in games of this stature. Of course a ref will get some stick no matter how well he handles the game - it is in itself a part of the game - but no one wants to see the ref in the centre of dubious attention.
Nonetheless, I digress.
Point is that Arsenal is here presented with a golden opportunity to get back in the race. Liverpool on the other hand might arguably have more to lose than gain. I would expect this to be mirrored in the tactical set-up of the game. Arsenal more optimistic and creative, while key words for Liverpool will be discipline and patience.
At a different stage, in the Champions League, where recent historical fortunes have been the diametrical opposites of that shown in recent years of Premier League silverware hunt; the draw for the last sixteen has been made.
Arsenal are pitted against a Totti fueled Roma. With the final being staged in the Eternal City, Arsenal will be in for a tough contest for sure. Liverpool has no easier match-up as they take on the historical Kings of the Champions League - Raul and his Madrid. Whilst poor board room antics and a pessimistic ex-manager have had a detrimental effect on Real’s ambitions this season, their team is not one to scoff at and will give Liverpool a real test. Both these ties are real challenges for Arsenal and Liverpool.
Before these enticing games however, there is the Premier League to focus squarely upon and the tantalizing game at the Emirates on Sunday. The fortunes of these two clubs this season, will become much clearer after the weekend
…unless of course it ends in a draw…
