Granit Xhaka believes Arsenal has what it takes to win against Liverpool at Anfield next weekend and keep the Premier League title out of Manchester City’s hands. Arsenal’s unexpected climb to the top could implode if they fail to beat Liverpool, and even though the gap is currently at eight points, City still has a game in hand. Xhaka’s statement suggests Arsenal is not concerned with City’s performance but is instead focused on their own game.
Arsenal managed to restore their eight-point cushion after they demolished West Brom 4-1 over the weekend. However, Arsenal’s victory was not an easy feat, with West Brom playing defensively and waiting for Arsenal to make mistakes. Xhaka admitted that Arsenal had to fight hard in the first half, but the team managed to find a way to break through and dominate the second half.
Although Arsenal’s rise to the top of the table has been euphoric, the team is well aware of the challenge they face in their upcoming match against Liverpool. It has been over a decade since Arsenal last won at Anfield, and the team knows they will be playing a dangerous team. However, Xhaka maintains that Arsenal is a different side now and that they have the confidence to win at Anfield and bring back three points.
Arsenal’s match against Liverpool is make-or-break for their title race this season. If they fail to beat Liverpool, the gap narrows again, and Arsenal will have to rely on Manchester City to slip up in their remaining games. With nine games to go, Arsenal has everything in their hands, and they know that every game counts.
Granit Xhaka said:
“If I am honest, we are looking at ourselves. We have everything in our hands – nine games to go now. Let’s say five points over City – or eight now we have played one game more. It is most important what happens in the team, not what anybody else does. It was not always easy or open. Teams are playing against us now very deep, waiting for our mistakes and counter-attacking.
“We know that when we score the first goal that maybe they have to open the game a bit more and in the second half they did that. The first half we had to fight more.”
“It does not matter how their season is going – they are always a dangerous team and, at Anfield, a very difficult team to play. But we have confidence enough to win there as well. This is what we will try to do. That’s why we are going there so let’s see if we can bring the three points back.”
