The groans emanating last weekend from St James Park and Anfield were loud and clear as Arsenal and Liverpool could only muster draws in their respective matches. For Liverpool the groans came as the reality of how far Liverpool have to improve descended over the stadium. For Arsenal it was the reality that their team was in for an arduous season and an uncertain future. Which makes the meeting between the two, next weekend all the more compelling.
Both clubs are at a crossroads, however the general consensus is that they are moving in opposite directions. Liverpool are a resurgent force, with all the potential to become top dogs again, Arsenal are in decline with all their potential, seemingly doomed to be unfulfilled. This may be a crude comparison and only time will tell whether it is true, but the fact that this weekend game at the Emirates is pivotal for both teams is incontrovertible.
The game will be give us an indication of how far both teams have come, and how far they still have to go. Arsenal had plenty of possession on Saturday but clearly lacked a cutting edge, whereas Liverpool were imperious for the first half and then faded alarmingly in the second which sets us up nicely for next weekend.
Normally such a big game early in the season is written off as insignificant in the long run, and no doubt both managers will attempt to downplay it however this time it takes on extra meaning. On paper at least these two are the main protagonists for fourth, and the fact they both drew on the weekend means this is a game both dare not lose.
For both managers as well, these are testing times. Dalglish revolution is in its nascent stages but he has to quickly integrate the new boys, and he can ill afford results such as being held by Sunderland at home, losing to Arsenal this weekend could destroy much of the early season optimism. Wenger now has to adapt to life without Fabregas and almost certainly Nasri, he can feel the fans anger and frustration threatening to boil over and knows a defeat to Liverpool at home could derail his season even at this early stage. There are even rumours that this may be Wenger`s last season at the Arsenal, whilst these must be taken with a pinch of salt, a defeat to the Reds would only add to the doubts he may have about how far he can take the club.
This fixture had a dramatic season finish last season, with a last minute penalty by the Gunners cancelled out courtesy of Eboue`s idiocy at the other end. After which followed a heated and entertaining exchange between the two managers, all of which adds extra spice to this weekends encounter. Arsenal are at home and start as slight favourites, although past meetings between the two suggest a 1-1 draw is the most likely outcome.
Both clubs may have differing expectations and different mindsets but they are shared in their determination not to lose this weekend and give the other a psychological edge. It may just be one game, but that one game could have widespread repercussions for both clubs; it is a game which marks a watershed moment for the two. Do not miss it for it promises to be essential viewing.
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