Liverpool — Arsenal : Match Preview and Prediction for August 31,2025

Liverpool’s Rocky Start Despite Victories

The champions began their campaign with two wins, but a closer look reveals some concerning patterns in how those victories were secured. They narrowly edged out Bournemouth with a 4-2 scoreline, then clinched a 3-2 win against Newcastle in the 100th minute. In every competitive match this season, including the Super Cup against Crystal Palace, Arne Slot’s squad has conceded two goals. This isn’t just an anomaly; it’s a significant red flag for their defensive stability.

Defensive Frailties Exposed

Liverpool’s defense is raising serious questions. The team squandered a two-goal lead against both Bournemouth and Newcastle. This points to fundamental issues with defensive organization, a weakness that a team of Arsenal’s caliber will undoubtedly exploit. Pundit Steve Nicol has openly stated that new signing Florian Wirtz is “useless defensively,” further highlighting problems in the midfield’s protective screen.

Critical Injury Concerns

The squad’s injury situation only exacerbates their predicament. First-choice right-back Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Conor Bradley has only just returned to training and is unlikely to be fully match-fit. This leaves Slot with the risky option of deploying Dominik Szoboszlai, a natural midfielder, in the full-back position, which appears incredibly vulnerable against Arsenal’s rapid attack.

Vulnerability from Set Pieces

Even manager Arne Slot acknowledges the team’s susceptibility to set pieces. In a pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao and in the intense clash with Newcastle, Liverpool conceded two goals from dead-ball situations. This is a critically important factor, especially considering that Arsenal is one of the league’s top-performing teams in this offensive aspect.

Arsenal’s Dominant Opening Performance

The “Gunners” have commenced their season with two clean sheet victories, netting six goals without conceding any. A decisive 5-0 thrashing of Leeds showcased the team’s offensive prowess. Gabriel’s return to the heart of the defense has significantly solidified their backline, as evidenced by two consecutive clean sheets to start the campaign.

Navigating Attacking Absences

While Arsenal faces some attacking setbacks, most notably the absence of Bukayo Saka, Mikel Arteta has already confirmed he has ample options in that position. Noni Madueke is prepared to step in on the right flank, and new forward Viktor Gyökeres has already silenced critics with a brace against Leeds. Moreover, Eberechi Eze is poised for his debut, which will add further versatility to their attacking schemes.

The Power of Set Pieces

Arsenal’s foremost strength lies in their proficiency from set pieces. Since the start of the 2023/24 season, the “Gunners” have scored an impressive 33 goals from corners—the best record across Europe’s top five leagues. Liverpool, by comparison, trails significantly, sitting second with a 13-goal deficit in this metric. Given the Reds’ documented struggles in this area, every corner or free-kick near their goal will pose a direct and potent threat.

Favorable Head-to-Head Record

The history of head-to-head encounters also favors the London side. Arsenal remains unbeaten against Liverpool in their last six league matches. Their last three visits to Anfield in the Premier League have all ended in draws. The “Gunners” clearly understand how to approach and perform against this Liverpool squad, and their current form only reinforces their confidence.