One defensive statistic has now revealed a vast gulf between Arsenal and Liverpool.
In terms of goals conceded, Arsenal and Liverpool have the joint-best record in the Premier League this season. Both sides have conceded just fifteen times, with seventeen matches played apiece.
However, the underlying numbers reveal that one of these two title-chasing clubs is perhaps fortunate not to have conceded a more.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is famed for his aggressive, relentless, gegenpressing style of play. This means that when the Reds lose possession in opposition territory, rather than falling back into a more compact shape, they swarm around the ball in an attempt to win it back as quickly as possible. However, we are seeing far less of this than usual from the Merseyside outfit this season.
Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, continues to prioritise this defend-from-the-front approach. The likes of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka are Arsenal’s first line of defence. Each of these players is expected to close down and pressurise any opponent on the ball in the aftermath of Arsenal losing possession.
Final third statistic comes down on Arsenal’s side
So far this season, the north London club are having a great deal more success in this regard than Liverpool. One stat reported by Squawka reveals this, and shows that Arsenal have made the most combined tackles, interceptions, and blocked passes this season in the final third, with 138 to their name.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have managed to record just 101, which is less than Everton, Bournemouth, and Chelsea.
This stat shows that Arsenal are by far the more successful side when it comes to being defensively aggressive in the attacking third. This means that the Gunners will prevent more counter-attacks and that they also win the ball back high up the pitch with greater frequency, which should lead to additional goalscoring opportunities.
Arsenal are set to travel to Anfield on Saturday in what is sure to be a huge clash. The winner of the encounter will top the Premier League table at Christmas. In terms of the long run to the end of the season, though, Arsenal will hope that stats such as this one work in their favour to ensure that they are crowned champions.
Manchester United legend Gary Neville does not believe Liverpool’s title contender credentials are as strong as Arsenal’s. This weekend will reveal how much really separates the two sides.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
