Football fans are in for a blockbuster clash as Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates on Thursday, January 8, 2025 at 22:00hrs, live on SuperSport Premier League and SuperSport Maximo 2.
This fixture promises high drama, tactical intrigue and individual brilliance as two of the Premier League’s heavyweights battle for supremacy in a match that could shape the title race.
Player focus – Declan Rice and Dominik Szoboszlai
Declan Rice
Nationality: English
Position: Midfielder
Club: Arsenal
Declan Rice is expected to anchor Arsenal’s midfield with a blend of defensive discipline and progressive distribution. His primary role will be disrupting Liverpool’s transitions, tracking late runners, and shielding the back line.
In possession, Rice will dictate tempo, recycle play under pressure, and look for incisive passes to unleash Arsenal’s forwards. His ability to switch play quickly could stretch Liverpool’s press, while his composure in tight spaces will help Arsenal retain control.
Set-piece presence and leadership add further influence, making him central to Arsenal’s tactical balance.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Nationality: Hungarian
Position: Midfielder
Club: Liverpool
For Liverpool’s visit to the Emirates, Dominik Szoboszlai will operate as a creative fulcrum in the midfield, linking Liverpool’s buildup with their attacking outlets. He will be tasked with exploiting pockets between Arsenal’s lines, threading through balls to forwards, and providing late runs into the box.
Szoboszlai’s set-piece prowess adds a constant goal threat, while his ability to switch flanks and deliver accurate long passes can destabilize Arsenal’s defensive shape.
Press-resistant and technically gifted, he will also help Liverpool maintain possession under pressure, orchestrating attacks while supporting defensive transitions, making him pivotal in Liverpool’s game plan.
Coach comparison – Mikel Arteta and Arne Slot
Mikel Arteta
Premier League Record: P221 W132 D43 L46
Honours: FA Cup: 2019-20; FA Community Shield: 2020, 2023 (all Arsenal)
For Arsenal’s clash against Liverpool, Mikel Arteta is likely to employ a tactical approach combining structured possession with quick transitional bursts. Defensively, he’ll emphasise compactness, using a disciplined midfield block to limit Liverpool’s spaces between the lines while relying on full backs to balance width and cover. In possession, Arsenal will aim to control tempo, circulate the ball patiently, and exploit wide areas to stretch Liverpool’s press. Quick vertical passes, movement from forwards, and midfield rotations will seek to destabilise Liverpool’s defensive structure. Set-pieces and pressing triggers will also play a key role, reflecting Arteta’s detail-oriented, adaptable, and proactive strategy.
Arne Slot
Premier League Record: P50 W31 D9 L10
Honours: Eredivisie: 2022-23; KNVB Cup: 2023-24 (both Feyenoord); Premier League: 2024-25 (Liverpool)
For Liverpool’s trip to the Emirates, Arne Slot is likely to implement a high-intensity, possession-oriented approach designed to unsettle Arsenal’s structure.
Defensively, he’ll focus on coordinated pressing triggers, aiming to force turnovers in advanced positions while maintaining compact lines to limit space between midfield and defence.
In possession, Slot favours fluid positional rotations, quick vertical passes and exploiting half-spaces to create overloads, especially through the wide areas.
Full backs will push high to stretch Arsenal’s backline, while midfielders like Szoboszlai orchestrate transitions. Set-pieces, quick counterattacks, and pressing off the ball will all be crucial, reflecting Slot’s aggressive yet methodical tactical philosophy.
Fixture stats
Head-to-head record: The two sides have met 236 times in all competitions, with Liverpool winning 90, Arsenal 81, and 65 draws.
Over the last 10 years in the Premier League, Arsenal have won just 3 matches against Liverpool. In that same period, the Reds have beaten the Gunners 10 times in league play.
Arsenal’s biggest-ever win over Liverpool was an 8–1 victory in 1934. Liverpool’s biggest win over Arsenal came in the 1963–64 season, with a 5–0 scoreline.
Arsenal famously clinched the 1989 First Division title by beating Liverpool 2–0 at Anfield in the final moments – Michael Thomas scored in the dying seconds.
With history, rivalry and top-tier talent on display, Arsenal vs Liverpool is more than just a game – it’s a statement of intent from two clubs chasing glory. Don’t miss every moment of this epic showdown, live on SuperSport, where the beautiful game comes alive.
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