Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are preparing for an ‘intense’ clash at Liverpool this weekend, as the Premier League’s top two meet at Anfield.
Arsenal travel to Liverpool looking to end a poor recent record at Anfield, having failed to win a Premier League game on Merseyside since 2012.
The Gunners moved top of the table last weekend after beating Brighton, and sit a point ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s side, whose 100% home record came to an end with a goalless draw against Manchester United.
A win for Arsenal would ensure top spot at Christmas, and Arteta is preparing for a ‘special atmosphere’ against ‘strong opposition’
“It is going to be a special atmosphere for both teams and it is strong opposition. We will prepare to win it and go for it – it will be an intense match,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.
“It is always great to be in the highest position in this league and we will try to maintain that, but we have to be intelligent to manage the game.”
Jurgen Klopp this week called on the Liverpool fans to provide greater backing for his team this weekend, after flat atmospheres in recent fixtures with Manchester United and West Ham.
Arteta – who has previously discussed the difficulty of facing Liverpool at Anfield – was asked for his thoughts on the German’s comments.
“I don’t know – that is a question for him [Jurgen Klopp]. We have to prepare to play and be better than them and focus on our supporters – they will always support the team.
“I have to think about the team and we are preparing to win it.”
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