Jan Molby Previews Liverpool’s Title Clash with Arsenal | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Arsenal: Why Sunday Feels Like a Defining Clash

As Liverpool prepare to welcome Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday, the sense of anticipation has grown with each passing day. Both sides have made perfect starts to the Premier League campaign, and while the calendar still reads August, this fixture already feels loaded with significance. Credit here must go to Jan Molby, who spoke to Trev Downey for Anfield Index, offering insight and sharp opinion on where this battle may be won or lost.

Arsenal’s Injury Worries Balanced by New Arrivals

Molby made no attempt to downplay the scale of Arsenal’s injury list. He said, “There’s a feeling that they will come to Anfield without some of their key players. Bukayo Saka is injured, Kai Havertz is injured, Martin Odegaard might be injured and Ben White could be missing.”

For any team, losing that calibre of footballer would be a concern, yet Molby was quick to stress the resilience now built into Mikel Arteta’s squad. “But, with Noni Madueke, Zubimendi and Eze coming in then they’re better equipped to deal with those injuries.” It is a fair point. Arsenal’s summer recruitment has added depth, variety and players capable of stepping into high-pressure situations.

That said, Molby’s assessment of Arsenal’s early performances was less flattering. “I was at their opening game against Man United and they won 1-0 because of a goalkeeping error. They didn’t play particularly well.” Against Leeds, it was a different story: “I watched the game against Leeds, they had five chances and scored them all.” For Liverpool supporters, the mixed review should serve as a reminder that Arsenal are capable of clinical ruthlessness when given space.

Liverpool’s Fragility still Evident Despite Winning Start

Arne Slot could not have scripted a better beginning to his reign. A 4-2 victory over Bournemouth followed by a thrilling 3-2 comeback at Newcastle has underlined Liverpool’s belief and resilience. The title-winning momentum from last season still lingers, yet Molby’s verdict carried a note of caution. “Liverpool are fragile at the moment. Although our bench has worked wonders in the opening two games, that is also fragile.”

It is difficult to argue with that. Late substitutes have turned both matches, but relying on impact from the bench every week will not sustain a title defence. Against Arsenal, any lapse could be fatal, especially with the visitors’ ability to exploit transitions.

What Molby’s Prediction Tells us

Molby left no ambiguity about the danger Arsenal pose. “One thing we do know is that they’re physically strong, well-organised and good in both penalty areas in defence and attack.” He went further, suggesting that Arteta may not yet be unlocking the full potential of his squad: “I still feel that the manager is holding back. I don’t think they can get the most out of that squad with Mikel Arteta in charge.”

Even with those caveats, Molby tipped his old side to prevail, albeit narrowly. “There’s no doubt that Sunday is a dangerous game. No doubt whatsoever. I’d lean towards a 3-2 win for Liverpool.” That prediction captures the likely tone of the contest: fast, tense, with goals guaranteed.

Final Thoughts

It is early in the season, but Sunday at Anfield already feels like a checkpoint. Arsenal’s progress under Arteta is clear, yet so too are Liverpool’s ambitions under Slot, who has wasted no time in stamping his authority. Molby’s words resonate because they cut through the hype: both sides have flaws, both have weapons, and whichever team seizes control of the key moments will leave with momentum that could prove invaluable.