Key Talking Points Ahead of Liverpool's Clash with Arsenal

Arsenal’s trip to Anfield will be one of the most crucial fixtures the Gunners face this season. Both teams have an enormous amount to play for, and are set for an enthralling encounter. Heading into the game, there are four big questions that need answering. 

 

Can Arsenal Stay Top? 

Chelsea’s victory at the Etihad ensured that Arsenal stayed top of the Premier League. This weekend, they must win at Anfield to be certain of remaining at the top of the pile. 

In a best-case scenario, an Arsenal win could see the Gunners end the weekend with a five-point lead over their closest rivals. Given the harrowing fixture list that awaits Arsene Wenger’s team, that sort of cushion could prove invaluable.  

What will the result be in this game? Liverpool win....draw....Arsenal...win Submit Vote vote to see results. What will the result be in this game? Liverpool win 28.4% Draw 11.0% Arsenal win 60.6% Total votes: 155

Are Liverpool Still in the Race for the Title?

Liverpool have largely been written off as title challengers. However, a win over Arsenal would see them move to within five points of the league leaders. With 13 games still to play, making up that gap would seem entirely plausible. 

Liverpool are widely believed to be embroiled in the race for Champions League qualification rather than the Premier League trophy. However, the best way to ensure a top-four finish is to stay close to the summit for as long as possible. If Liverpool can keep the pace in the title race, Champions League qualification could come as a welcome runners-up prize. 

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Breaking Down Liverpool's January Transfer Window Business

And then there were none.

After so many rumors, so many names and so many hopes, the January transfer window passed by without any signings at Liverpool, and Brendan Rodgers will be tackling the remaining fixtures of the 2013/14 Premier League season with the squad he had at his disposal when the campaign started in August.

Amidst their injury crisis, Liverpool needed to strengthen, not only to make up for their absentees, but to inject quality into the first team and to better equip themselves for what promises to be a tough fight to finish in the top four.

With no new arrivals at Anfield and a quintet of names to leave the club, either on a permanent basis or on loan, the Reds’ shortages and problems have been left by the hierarchy to the summer, when surely there will be questions asked again of the transfer policy.

But for now, what can we make of their past month?

Here’s a breakdown of Liverpool’s January activities, featuring exits, loans, near misses, and an analysis of their transfer approach. Let us know your thoughts below.

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Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers Right Not to Dwell on Kolo Toure Blunder

Brendan Rodgers claimed he will “never criticise players for trying to play football,” as per Sky Sports, after seeing Kolo Toure squander Liverpool’s lead against West Brom on Sunday.

Toure’s inexplicable pass across the face of Liverpool’s penalty area on 67 minutes was pounced upon by Victor Anichebe, who confidently took his gift and equalised for the Baggies.

Whatever way you look at it, Toure’s error cost Liverpool the three points. It may not have been a pretty victory in the making, but an away trip to the Hawthorns in early February isn’t going to be easy for any Premier League side.

 

Moaning Gets You Nowhere

Full time and the points being shared was met with disappointment, frustration and some anger by the traveling fans, yet Rodgers, with his calm and collected nature, chose not to dwell on the mistake which cost his side the win. 

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Rodgers defended his side’s decision to build play from the back even though, coupled with West Brom pressure, it contributed to Toure’s costly mistake.

We like to build the game and construct play from behind and sometimes it will cost you and today was unfortunately one of those days.

Kolo Toure has been brilliant since he's been here. He's been a real leader, an outstanding professional and, unfortunately, it was a mistake.

It’s not the first mistake Toure has made in his career, and it probably won’t be the last either. At 32 years old, the Ivorian international knows what he did wrong and what he can do to avoid making the same mistake again.

He doesn’t need Rodgers to explain that to him.

Kudos for Toure accepting blame for the mistake and to Rodgers for not having a go at him. LFC need to just nuckle down and get 4th spot.

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