Ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Merseyside to face Liverpool on Sunday, Mikel Arteta has explained why he feels Anfield is a difficult ground for visiting teams.
In past ten visits to Anfield in the Premier League, Arsenal have managed just one win among seven losses and two draws.
The last time the Gunners won there was in 2012 and Arteta was part of the eleven for the Londoners.
Despite Liverpool’s inconsistent form this season, Anfield remained an incredibly tough ground to come to and Leeds United are the only side to beat them there so far in the league.
And speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta said:“They are a great team, managed by a top manager and they create an incredible atmosphere that makes it really difficult for us, for any opponent, as it is when to come to the Emirates.
“It’s very, very difficult, so we know that, and the opportunity is ahead of us there on Sunday to do something that we have done in the last two or three years, to win in places that the team didn’t do for many, many years.”
However, Arteta expressed confidence that his players are capable of ending their poor record at Anfield on Sunday.
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“We’ve been to a few grounds this season where we haven’t won in 17, 18 and 22 years and we have managed to do that. So we are capable of [winning at Anfield], that’s for sure.
“We really need to embrace the moment and go for it. The team is full of enthusiasm and positivity and we know that we have a big challenge, but I see a big opportunity to go to Anfield and do something that we haven’t done for many years. That’s what is driving the team in the last few days.
“It felt great because, before that win (2012) it had been many years since we had done it. We did it once more: I think it was the year before when van Persie scored in the 95th minute. So some beautiful memories, an incredible stadium to play in and just a unique experience for any player or manager.“
Arteta added:”We know that we’re going to have to be our very best to win the game and certainly better than we were there last year, especially in the second half when we just opened up and allowed Liverpool to have space in a really comfortable way.”
