Jurgen Klopp praises ‘tough’ Arsenal who were ‘dominant’ against Liverpool ahead of clash

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Arsenal’s title hopes rest on Sunday’s clash against league leaders Liverpool, and they will also be hoping for revenge after a recent FA Cup tie.

Mikel Arteta’s side were eliminated from the competition in January after a home defeat to Liverpool, which saw Arsenal dominate the game, but fail to take their chances, and were eventually punished in the late stages.

Arsenal are set to face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool for the final time, with the German set to leave the club at the end of the season, and he has now praised the Gunners ahead of Sunday’s game, and highlighted how Arteta’s side can cause his team trouble.

Jurgen Klopp praises Arsenal ahead of Liverpool clash

Speaking in a press conference, Klopp admitted that his side were lucky in the recent FA Cup clash, highlighting how Arsenal dominated the match.

“It’s tough opponent coming up. We need to be at our absolute best. We have played Arsenal twice recently, both games were not perfect. We won there, but not our usual game. Arsenal were very dominant for a long time, we finished our situations,” he stated.

“(In the cup) Arsenal could’ve scored first. I would prefer us to have more moments where we are in charge, which is difficult as good as they are. In home game (Anfield), in the first half they were super physical, in a good way, not kicking. They were really strong.”

Arsenal out for revenge against Liverpool

Arsenal were in a mini-crisis when Liverpool last visited the Emirates, and were also missing Gabriel Jesus through injury before a much-needed winter break.

With the Brazilian scoring and assisting against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, he could be ready to be the difference on Sunday, and if Arsenal put in a similarly dominant display, they may find revenge comes in the form of goals.

Arsenal cannot lose if they are to retain any hope of winning the title, and with Klopp’s side losing just once all season, Sunday will not be an easy game. However, if Arsenal are at their best, it will not be easy for Liverpool either.

Jorginho performed well in midfield in the FA Cup tie, helping Arsenal dominate through sustained pressure, and Arteta may be tempted to start him again against the same opponents to gain a similar level of dominance on the ball, but they will have to be wary of counter-attacks from a Liverpool side who have been lethal in front of goal.