Danny Murphy suggests that Liverpool’s performance against Manchester City could offer insight for Arsenal and others on how to outmaneuver the title contenders as the season approaches its climax.
Following City’s 1-1 draw at Anfield, Arsenal sits atop the Premier League table alongside Liverpool with 64 points each, the former leading on goal difference, while City trails closely with 63 points, setting the stage for a tense final stretch.
With Arsenal set to face City in their upcoming fixture on March 31st, there’s a consensus that Mikel Arteta‘s team must secure a victory to maintain their title aspirations.
Arsenal broke their league curse against City earlier this season with a late victory at the Emirates, thanks to Gabriel Martinelli.
However, their last triumph at the Etihad dates back to January 2015.
More worryingly, the Citizens have not lost a home game in any competition since November 2022 when they lost 2-1 to Brentford.
They have however dropped points at home on four occasions in the league this season, namely to Liverpool, Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
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And City’s most recent display at Liverpool highlighted key weaknesses in their set-up, and Murphy is confident that team can take advantage if they follow several key but simple steps.
Murphy said:
‘It’s very hard to do but we’ve seen it on a couple of occasions,’ the former Liverpool star said on Match of the Day 2 when asked if other could copy Liverpool’s tactics.
Chelsea did it twice, scored four at home and got the draw in the away game. Tottenham did it when they went to City, scored three goals there.
‘You need good players who have the physicality and the athleticism to cope with Man City.
If you have that and the mentality and belief that you’re as good as them you can cause them problems.’
Though they have several weeks to wait, Arsenal will certainly be confident going to City having won all their league games in 2024 by a combined score of 33-4.
Before the City clash however, they have to come from behind to beat Porto in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, having lost the first-leg 1-0.
