Liverpool vs Arsenal: Seven Key Duels That Could Shape the Anfield Showdown

The Premier League season has barely started and already it offers a blockbuster clash. On Matchday Three of the 2025–26 campaign, defending champions Liverpool welcome last year’s runners-up Arsenal to Anfield. Both teams arrive with perfect records from their opening fixtures, while Tottenham are the only other club with two wins from two. By the close of the weekend one or both of these title contenders will have dropped points.

This is the earliest meeting between the top two sides from the previous season since Chelsea defeated Tottenham in August 2017. History suggests Sunday may be tight, since the last four matches between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield have all finished level. The Reds last beat Arsenal at home in November 2021 while Arsenal have not celebrated victory at Anfield since September 2012. One of those streaks could finally end this weekend.

1. The Question of a Winner

Liverpool and Arsenal have drawn their last four Anfield encounters. Three of those matches ended with both teams scoring twice, including a thrilling contest last season. While Arsenal have gone twelve visits without victory in this stadium, Liverpool are themselves winless in six league matches against the Gunners. It makes for an unpredictable battle.

2. Arsenal’s Set Piece Threat against Liverpool’s Vulnerability

Few teams in Europe are as dangerous from corners as Arsenal. Since the beginning of the 2023–24 season they have scored more goals from corners than any club in the top five European leagues. Three of their six goals already this season have come from such situations. Liverpool have looked fragile in this area, conceding twice from dead balls at Newcastle on Monday. Arsenal’s ability to punish from set pieces could be decisive.

3. Mohamed Salah’s Record against Arsenal

Salah may not have found top gear yet this campaign but his record against Arsenal is outstanding. He has scored eleven Premier League goals against them, a tally only Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney have bettered. The Egyptian has scored in ten separate league meetings with Arsenal, a figure bettered only by Kane. If anyone can trouble the Gunners’ defence on Sunday it is Salah.

4. The Best Attack against the Best Defence

Arsenal have built their progress under Mikel Arteta on defensive solidity. They have finished with the best defensive record in the Premier League in each of the past two seasons. Yet Manchester United managed twenty two shots against them on the opening day even though they lost 1–0. Liverpool are the league’s most prolific attack, having scored eighty six times last season. They have already found the net seven times this season, more than any other team. Something has to give.

5. The New Strikers

When these sides met in May neither fielded a recognised striker. That has changed after a busy summer. Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike who has scored in each of his first three appearances. Arsenal brought in Viktor Gyokeres who opened his account with two goals against Leeds. Both players look capable of making a difference in a match that could be decided by a single moment.

6. The Midfield Storyline

Liverpool once pursued Martin Zubimendi but settled on Ryan Gravenberch who went on to shine in their title winning campaign. Zubimendi eventually joined Arsenal and now faces the team that tried to sign him. Gravenberch was one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers last season and scored in the victory at Newcastle earlier this week. Zubimendi has impressed in his early games for Arsenal with ball recoveries and tackles. Their duel will be central to who controls midfield.

7. The Teenagers Who Could Influence the Game

Two of the Premier League’s youngest stars could again play a part. Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha scored a dramatic stoppage time winner at Newcastle and became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer. Arsenal’s Max Dowman made his debut against Leeds, won a penalty, and showed little fear despite his age. Both are unlikely to start but could be called upon from the bench. Their youthful energy might tilt the balance.

So,
Although it is only the third match of the campaign this fixture carries the weight of a title clash. For Liverpool it is a chance to reinforce their dominance at home. For Arsenal it is an opportunity to end a miserable run at Anfield and show they can topple the champions. A draw would fit the recent pattern but victory for either side would deliver a powerful statement that the title race has already begun.