Pundit says Arsenal need to get ‘exciting’ player to change his ways vs Liverpool, ‘for one game only’

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Arsenal visit Liverpool at Anfield in a huge Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon, and Mikel Arteta has some key selection decisions to make.

Arteta’s side thrashed Leeds 5-0 last weekend, ensuring they head to Merseyside with maximum points from their opening two matches.

Meanwhile, Liverpool beat Newcastle with a stoppage-time winner on Monday night, meaning Arne Slot’s side also take six points into the showdown with the Gunners.

The Arsenal boss will have to construct a starting eleven and a plan to negate the Reds’ explosive attack, while also exploiting their vulnerable defence.

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Adrian Clarke says Mikel Arteta needs Riccardo Calafiori to change his game against Liverpool

Riccardo Calafiori’s performance against Leeds was dubbed ‘exciting’, with the Italian adding some unpredictability to Arsenal’s attack thus far this campaign.

The left-back appears in forward areas and causes chaos, which has been extremely valuable to the Gunners in the opening weeks of the season.

That said, Liverpool pose a different level of threat to both Leeds and Manchester United, and thus, Arteta may either have to go for a more conservative option at left-back or instruct Calafiori to be more reserved.

Speaking on the latest Arsecast, former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke emphasised the idea that the Spanish manager needs to rein the ex-Bologna man in.

“So yeah, I wouldn’t say it’s a weakness, but that strength of the unpredictability, the plus side of being chaotic and creating space for others has a negative, and that’s definitely the area opponents are going to target,” the pundit said.

“And of course against Liverpool, Mo Salah is down that side. I do think, potentially for one game only, Arsenal have to temper that enthusiasm a bit.

“I’m not saying stop it, but if any team is going to punish us for that, it will be Liverpool. So I’m desperately hoping that Mikel says to Calafiori, if he starts, pick and choose a little bit more carefully in terms of when you go forward.”

Mikel Arteta should start Myles Lewis-Skelly against Liverpool

Calafiori’s adventurousness and carefree attitude towards roaming up the pitch is useful when Arsenal are trying to break down low blocks.

However, against Liverpool, the Gunners need additional defensive security down their left-hand side to negate Mo Salah.

Calafiori can be susceptible to being beaten whilst one-on-one with tricky defenders, and thus, Arteta should revert to Lewis-Skelly.

The Hale End graduate isn’t the perfect defender from a positional standpoint, but isolated one-on-one against quick wingers, he doesn’t get beaten.

Thus, Arteta has to be pragmatic and start the 18-year-old at Anfield.