Gyokeres vs Konate: The duel that could decide Arsenal’s Anfield trip

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·27 agosto 2025

Gyokeres vs Konate: The duel that could decide Arsenal’s Anfield trip

With Kai Havertz sidelined through injury, if there is one guaranteed starter in Mikel Arteta’s XI at Anfield, it is Viktor Gyokeres. The Arsenal boss will be hoping the Swede picks up where he left off against Leeds, a match in which he scored twice when the Gunners thrashed Leeds 5-0 at the Emirates.

Konate’s struggles under scrutiny

Gyokeres could well do just that, especially with ESPN FC pundits highlighting a glaring weakness in Liverpool’s defence that is ripe for exploitation.

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“Konate never won a header, he was very shaky in the Bournemouth game, the Semenyo goal,” said Don Hutchison.

Host Dan Thomas responded, “Should he have started him then?”

To which Steve Nicol replied, “There’s no one else,” a worrying admission for Arne Slot and music to Arsenal’s ears.

Konate looks like a weak link, and if Arsenal are to target Liverpool’s defensive frailties, he is the man to go after. Gyokeres should relish the physical battles, hoping to capitalise on any errors. Even Jamie Carragher hinted at this on Sky Sports, per Rousing the Kop:

“Konate is another one. He has been all over the place. You want your centre-back to go and win that header [for Newcastle’s second goal]. He’s going backward, but he still should deal with that.”

Set-piece coach Nicolas Jover will also be encouraged by Konate’s aerial vulnerability. He will be hoping it plays a decisive role in Arsenal punishing Liverpool from corners and dead-ball situations, as highlighted in this ESPN FC discussion.

Viktor Gyökeres (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Kerkez also under fire

It is not just Konate. His left-sided defensive partner, Milos Kerkez, has also struggled. Jamie Carragher was blunt in his assessment of the left back:

“He found it really difficult against Bournemouth in the first game, he was a little bit nervous. He was up against Elanga today, not easy, but this isn’t enough.”

Liverpool’s defensive frailties

Arsenal’s attack could feast at Anfield if they recognise how unstable the left-hand side of Liverpool’s defence has become.

Having been linked with Marc Guéhi, it is clear Liverpool needed that signing. But with little hope of the deal going through, one cannot help but feel the Reds are just one defensive injury away from a full-blown crisis.

Your thoughts welcome in the comments Gooners.

Daniel O

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