Arsenal’s Premier League campaign has been defined by inconsistency, but no fixture looms larger than their clash with Liverpool at Anfield this weekend. The Gunners have not won at the Merseyside club since December 2012, when Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla’s goals secured all three points under Arsène Wenger. That drought—14 years and counting—is a psychological burden, but it is also a tactical imperative. With Manchester City’s recent stumbles leaving Arsenal level on points with the champions, a victory here would not just end a curse; it could propel them into the Champions League hunt. Yet the path is fraught with uncertainty, particularly in attack, where the debate over Kai Havertz’s role has obscured a more pressing question: who will provide the goals?
The Havertz vs. Viktor Gyokeres debate has dominated Arsenal’s discourse, but the third option—Mikel Merino—has been overlooked. The 22-year-old’s emergence as a genuine striker has been gradual but undeniable. His physicality, movement, and ability to hold up play in tight spaces make him a far more reliable option than either Havertz or Gyokeres in certain situations. While Havertz’s directness and Gyokeres’ creativity offer different solutions, Merino’s consistency in front of goal—particularly in the Premier League’s most demanding fixtures—could be the difference at Anfield. His presence alone shifts the balance of Arsenal’s attack, offering Arteta a third string to his bow when the other two falter. The question is not whether he will start, but whether he will deliver when it matters most.
Defensively, Arsenal’s resilience has been their greatest strength this season, but Liverpool’s front three—Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Diogo Jota—remain a formidable threat. The Reds’ midfield, however, has been their Achilles’ heel. Virgil van Dijk’s injury and the inconsistent performances of Ibrahima Konaté and Joel Matip have exposed Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities. Arsenal’s ability to exploit these gaps—particularly with Declan Rice’s pressing and Gabriel’s physical dominance—could be decisive. The Gunners’ backline, anchored by Ben White and Ezri Konsa, has been solid, but their real edge lies in their depth. Myles Lewis-Skelly’s composure in possession and Noni Madueke’s tactical intelligence provide Arteta with options that Liverpool’s more rigid system lacks.
The stakes could not be higher. Arsenal are just one point off the Champions League places, with Brighton now two behind City. A win at Anfield would not only secure three vital points but also send a message to the Premier League’s elite: the Gunners are still in the fight. Yet the pressure is palpable. David Raya’s Golden Glove-winning form—19 clean sheets in 37 games—has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defensive stability, but even the best keepers face Liverpool’s attacking firepower. The Reds’ ability to switch play and create chances from nothing will test Raya’s nerves, while Arsenal’s midfield must neutralize Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson before they can dictate the tempo.
This is not just a game to end a hoodoo; it is a test of Arsenal’s character. The Gunners have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but their failure to convert momentum into results has kept them in the chase rather than the chase. At Anfield, with Liverpool’s form fluctuating and their squad still unbalanced, Arsenal have a rare opportunity. Three players—Merino in attack, Rice and Gabriel in midfield—must rise to the occasion. If they do, history could be rewritten on Sunday.
