Arsenal manager Unai Emery has made the shock admission: “We don't ever want to play against Liverpool” ahead of the two side's game at Anfield on Saturday evening.
The Spaniard famously denied Jurgen Klopp a major trophy at the end of his first season in charge of the Reds when his Sevilla side completed a Europa League hat-trick with a 3-1 victory in Basel but has had less success against the German so far with the Gunners.
The two sides drew 1-1 at the Emirates last November but when they met again at Anfield on December 29, Liverpool , who are now unbeaten in their last eight matches against Arsenal, came from behind to thrash them 5-1.
Both sides have won each of their two Premier League fixtures so far this season – Liverpool 4-1 at home to Norwich City and then 2-1 away to Southampton while Arsenal defeated Newcastle United 1-0 at St James' Park before overcoming Burnley 2-1 a the Emirates – so something will have to give next weekend.
Looking forward to the heavyweight clash, Emery quipped: “For us, we don't ever want to play against Liverpool – but it's really a challenge, a good test.
“Really our target is to reduce the distance (between us) and Manchester City and Liverpool last season, and when we go to play against them it's a big moment to show how (much stronger) we can be.
“Last week you asked me if we are better now than last year – I don't know. It's the same if you ask if we are going to be stronger with those three players up front.
“We need all the players to show how we are going to make a big difference to last year with the points.
“But I really think we have the spirit in the dressing room and I am very happy because I am seeing the team involved in this process now.
“We are going there (to Anfield) with six points from two games. Next week is a very good match for every supporter of Arsenal.”
