Arsenal will have to put their first defeat of the season in the Premier League behind them when they return to action over the weekend.
The Gunners fell at the hurdle of Bournemouth after a tough clash which saw them reduced to ten players once again, with William Saliba at fault for a last-man challenge on Evanilson.
While a foray into the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk may offer some respite for Mikel Arteta, attention will quickly turn back to Premier League action.
That’s because Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in a clash that will put two title hopefuls up against one another.
Arsenal vs Liverpool verdict given by Aaron Ramsey
With Liverpool leading the way in the Premier League, four points ahead of Arsenal, there is a big challenge on the cards for the London side to stay in touch with those at the top.
It brings up the question of whether the match is a must-win for the Gunners with the Emirates Stadium crowd behind them.
It was something put to former midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football: “You’d expect Man City to go and win there [at Southampton next up], so six points could be too much at this stage to catch them.
“You know, you need to be six points in front I think. That City team, the way Liverpool are playing at the moment, Chelsea as well and their performance.
“There’s a load of teams who can’t be too far away from them.”
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to get the result they need out of their opponents in the race for the title.
However, a defeat could leave a lot to be overturned in the remainder of the season, with very little margin for error.
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William Saliba replacements for Liverpool clash will be key for Arsenal
The key to taking points from Liverpool may well hinge on whoever Arteta picks to replace Saliba in his backline.
The defender is set to miss out on the match through suspension for his red card against Bournemouth – unless an appeal overturns the decision.
Given the Frenchman’s influence, his absence could be sorely felt, which will then rely on a replacement to fill his boots.
Riccardo Calafiori could slip into the centre-back role, which would require a new left-back in one of Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jurrien Timber – if either is fit.
The latter of those could also fill in at centre-back if required, assuming he is back from injury.
Only time will tell which player could fill that position, but it’s a huge decision that will likely cause some sleepless nights for the Arsenal boss.
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