Mikel Arteta would swap Arsenal's attack for Liverpool's, with the Gunners' misfiring frontline under scrutiny ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting at Anfield.
Arsenal's Carabao Cup fourth-round upset at the hands of Fleetwood Town has raised questions about the champions' attack, and Arteta could be forgiven for eyeing Liverpool's new-look frontline with envy. There is a genuine argument that both Kai Havertz and goalscorer Viktor Gyokeres - his first of the season across all competitions - played their way out of the starting XI at Anfield.
Mikel Merino, who netted in two 2-2 draws against the Reds during the 2024-25 campaign, could lead the line instead, with supporters clamouring for him to do so.
Arsenal's disjointed attack
With first-choice wingers Bukayo Saka and potentially Christos Tzolis sidelined - the Greek is pushing to return following a hamstring issue - Arsenal's attack feels disjointed. There is also doubt over Noni Madueke's availability.
Merino is experienced and intelligent but Arteta's frontline currently lacks fear-factor. The same cannot be said of Liverpool and Andoni Iraola's red arrows, who are now five wins from five including Wednesday's penalty-shootout triumph over Chelsea.
Transfer truth behind the envy
Arteta would probably swap his attack for Iraola's. The former wanted Alexander Isak from Newcastle before landing Gyokeres but did not anticipate Isak being available after the Magpies secured Champions League qualification.
Arsenal are admirers of 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha, briefly considered a shock swoop for Cody Gakpo, and club delegates travelled to the United States in the summer to watch Bradley Barcola play for France. Various factors, not least his £123million price-tag, saw the Gunners turn elsewhere.
Liverpool's recruitment has been bold since their 2024-25 Premier League title triumph, boasting three £100m+ players on their substitutes' bench against Chelsea. Arsenal have been more selective, balking at Aston Villa's valuation for Morgan Rogers and allowing him to join Chelsea for £117m before failing to sign Vinicius Junior, who penned a new contract with Real Madrid.
Defence could define the contest
Arsenal are light on numbers for their Anfield voyage, with 16-year-old Max Dowman suspended after a red card appeal was rebuffed by the FA. Liverpool have conceded just one goal with 11 players on the field in their past six Premier League matches.
The Gunners haven't won any of their last 13 trips to Liverpool in the Premier League (drawn five, lost eight) and have never gone 14 winless at Anfield in their league history. Arteta's defence, the best around, could well define the contest.
