Arsenal Vs Liverpool: 5 key players to watch – Granit Xhaka’s test

On Wednesday night, Arsenal host Liverpool as they look to bounce back from the weekend’s North London Derby defeat. Here are five key players to watch.

On Wednesday night, Arsenal face the daunting prospect of hosting the Premier League champions, Liverpool. The Reds have sauntered to the title and are now chasing Manchester City’s points record. The Gunners, meanwhile, are facing a tough challenge to even qualify for the Europa League after their North London Derby defeat on Sunday afternoon. They have to win and hope that other results go their way.

Here are five key players to watch.

5. Kieran Tierney

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are the best full-back pairing in world football. They have been for several years, the entire Liverpool system worked through the offensive athleticism and creativity of the duo in wide areas. That is the standard that Arsenal’s full-backs much reach, including new signing, Kieran Tierney.

Tierney arrived at Arsenal with a high pedigree. Celtic’s captain, a multi-SPL winner, a Scottish international, rivalling Robertson for the starting role for the starting left-back role, there were tentative suggestions that he could compete for the title of the best left-back in the Premier League.

Because of injuries, that has not yet transpired. However, in recent weeks, Tierney has played with an aggression, commitment and quality that suggest he is capable of becoming one of the premier players at the position in future years. Now he will be competing against the very best. Can he hold up?

<p>Here are five key players to watch.</p> <div id="attachment_103298" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-103298" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1252489869-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JUNE 25: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal controls the ball during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at St Mary’s Stadium on June 25, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>5. Kieran Tierney</h4> <p>Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are the best full-back pairing in world football. They have been for several years, the entire Liverpool system worked through the offensive athleticism and creativity of the duo in wide areas. That is the standard that Arsenal’s full-backs much reach, including new signing, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=kieran+tierney%22>Kieran Tierney</a>.</p> <p>Tierney arrived at Arsenal with a high pedigree. Celtic’s captain, a multi-SPL winner, a Scottish international, rivalling Robertson for the starting role for the starting left-back role, there were tentative suggestions that he could compete for the title of the best left-back in the Premier League.</p> <p>Because of injuries, that has not yet transpired. However, in recent weeks, Tierney has played with an aggression, commitment and quality that suggest he is capable of becoming one of the premier players at the position in future years. Now he will be competing against the very best. Can he hold up?</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4. Virgil van Dijk </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_99929" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99929" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1212029464-1-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool looks on during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid at Anfield on March 11, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>4. Virgil van Dijk</h4> <p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=virgil+van+dijk%22>Virgil van Dijk</a> is the best centre-back in the world. He has been for several years. The confidence, composure, and utter dominance with which he defends and anchors the Liverpool team puts the Arsenal counterparts to utter shame. Contrast his calmness to the panic and uncertainty of Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac.</p> <p>On Wednesday, Arsenal will somehow have to get the better of van Dijk. They tried their hardest in the first time these teams met early in the season, with Unai Emery using a 4-4-2 diamond to isolate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe against the two Liverpool centre-backs. In reality, though, van Dijk gave little away.</p> <p>If the Gunners are to have some form of success on Wednesday, they have to isolate van Dijk and attempt to put pressure on him. Plenty of teams have tried in the past and failed. Can Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette get anything out of the best defender in the world? It will be difficult.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 3. Nicolas Pepe </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_103497" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-103497" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1255767977-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 12: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 12, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>3. Nicolas Pepe</h4> <p>One of the only players who has posed some form of threat to van Dijk is <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=nicolas+pepe%22>Nicolas Pepe</a>, who at least scratched the normally serene surface of the Dutch defender.</p> <div class="recent-posts "> <h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4> <ul> <li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/"> Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/"> When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury? </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/"> 2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/"> Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023 </a> </li><li> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/"> Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start? </a> </li></ul> </div> <p>Pepe did not entirely run van Dijk ragged, but he certainly had positive moments when isolated up against the centre-back. His explosive pace clearly scared van Dijk and Andy Robertson, who offered him more space as a result, frightened to get too tight and find themselves chasing the ball as Pepe exploded forward.</p> <p>Pepe has enjoyed an encouraging if somewhat limited first season in north London. He has not yet lived up to the £72 million price tag, but his talent has been on show at times and his numbers are more impressive than what they may seem at first glance. However, when it comes to playing the top teams, he is yet to have a statement performance.</p> <p>On Sunday, Pepe was quiet. He struggled to get into the game early on the game, and bar a couple of flashed shots past the post, he did not really trouble the Spurs backline. In these major fixtures, Arsenal need their big players to step up and deliver match-winning performances. Against Spurs, Pepe left them lacking. Can he right that wrong here?</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2. Trent Alexander-Arnold </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_103496" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-103496" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1255617478-1-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JULY 11: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Burnley FC at Anfield on July 11, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>2. Trent Alexander-Arnold</h4> <p>Is there a better full-back in world football? Perhaps defensively. But on the ball, there is no ‘defender’ who is as creative, progressive, and quite simply brilliant as <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=trent+alexander-arnold%22>Trent Alexander-Arnold</a>, who is entirely redefining the expectations of an offensive-minded full-back.</p> <p>Looking like what David Beckham might look like had he played right-back, Alexander-Arnold has followed up his 12-assist season with another 12-assist campaign this year. Only Kevin de Bruyne has more assists this season. Only three other defenders have more than five assists, and one of those is his teammate, Andy Robertson. His 9.3 expected assists are equal with Riyad Mahrez.</p> <p>That is how brilliant the young right-back is, and while he plays a traditionally overlooked position, at least in an offensive sense, for the Liverpool system that uses the full-backs, not the central midfield, to progress play and create chances, he is absolutely central to their play. Preventing Alexander-Arnold from dictating the game will be vital for Arsenal.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 1. Granit Xhaka </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_95958" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-95958" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1191240136-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">NORWICH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 01: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal is tackled by Kenny McLean of Norwich City during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Arsenal FC at Carrow Road on December 01, 2019 in Norwich, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h4>1. Granit Xhaka</h4> <p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=granit+xhaka%22>Granit Xhaka</a> is critical to Arsenal’s midfield. In and of itself, that is problematic. His limitations are inescapable. His immobility cripples the team’s effectiveness. His over-dependence on his left foot slows down attacking play and stifles the freedom of the combinations when playing out from the back. And then there is his difficult when pressed.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia"> <div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_103494" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet") .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet"); }); </script> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>It is this last vulnerability that Liverpool may look to exploit on Wednesday. There is no better high-pressing team than Jurgen Klopp’s side. They occupy spaces brilliantly, simply wait for the wrong pass to be played, before jumping on a particular player who they feel is a weak link in the team’s play.</p> <p>Compared to those around him, Xhaka is far from the weak link. Sead Kolasinac and Shkodran Mustafi are far more ‘pressable’. However, if Roberto Firmino drops out of the front three or one of the central midfielders pushes high as he receives the ball, he does not have the requisite skill and agility to circumnavigate the pressure. He invariably loses possession.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Arsenal Vs Liverpool: Predicted starting XI" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-liverpool-predicted-xi-2/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-vs-liverpool-5-key-players-watch-granit-xhakas-test/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/07/14/arsenal-liverpool-predicted-xi-2/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Arsenal Vs Liverpool: Predicted starting XI </a> </div> </div> <p>Arsenal will need to play through the thirds to build attacks. Xhaka is central to that process. But against Liverpool, it will be an almighty test, one he is not well-built to handle.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">