When Manchester City stumbled last season, Arsenal must have felt their long-awaited Premier League title was finally within reach.
Having finished as runners-up to City for two consecutive seasons, Mikel Arteta’s side once again fell short — but this time to Liverpool, who claimed their record-equalling 20th league title under new manager Arne Slot.
The Gunners ended the campaign 10 points adrift of the champions, forced once again into the role of bridesmaids.
Determined not to repeat history, Arteta has made key moves in the summer transfer window. The arrival of powerful striker Viktor Gyökeres finally gives Arsenal a true focal point in attack, while the additions of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze provide extra creativity and threat in the final third.
It’s clear Arteta is preparing to launch a more complete and robust title challenge this season — and their first real test comes at Anfield.
Liverpool, despite sitting near the top, have shown signs of vulnerability. In both of their opening fixtures, the Reds squandered two-goal leads before rallying to claim wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle.
Among Slot’s summer signings, only Hugo Ekitike has made an immediate impact, netting twice in his first two games. Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined through injury, Florian Wirtz is still adjusting to the intensity of the Premier League, and left-back Milos Kerkez has looked far from assured defensively.
If Liverpool are serious about defending their crown, this match offers the perfect opportunity to make a statement. But they’ll need to bring their best.
Arsenal remain the only team yet to concede a goal this season, and continue to pose a major threat from set-pieces — one of their standout strengths under Arteta.
One or both sides will lose their perfect start on Sunday. But beyond the result, the real significance lies in the momentum it could generate. A win at Anfield — for either team — would send a strong message to the rest of the league: the title race is on, and they mean business.
