AFTV News

Are Arsenal favourites against Liverpool in the EFL Cup? By Paul Martin Last week’s goalless draw in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Anfield showed battling qualities which have been sorely lacking at Arsenal for the best part of the last two decades. It was as welcome as it was surprising – though Granit Xhaka’s sending off ensured there was some semblance of normality – and gives Mikel Arteta’s side a fine chance of reaching their first Carabao Cup final since 2018. With home advantage, are the Gunners favourites ahead of Thursday’s second leg? Yes With two of Liverpool’s superb usual front three at the Africa Cup of Nations, Arsenal could not ask for a better time to take on Jurgen Klopp’s men in a knockout tie. The Reds dearly missed Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane in last week’s first leg – it’s hard to imagine the Gunners holding out for a goalless draw had both been on the field. Klopp’s side got their mojo back in front of goal during Sunday’s 3-0 win over Brentford but th...

Are Arsenal ready to go on another unbeaten run after losing to Liverpool I don’t care who the opposition have been, Arsenal’s ten-game unbeaten run isn’t something to be sniffed at. The Gunners may have seen that run come to an end in Saturday’s 4-0 loss against Liverpool, but there is fresh optimism in North London. Mikel Arteta’s side look as if they could challenge for Europe this season, especially with there being no outstanding candidate for fourth place. Should Arsenal fans be concerned? Arsenal have a poor record of responding to defeat. This isn’t just an issue with Arteta. For years now, it has felt like losses can avalanche at The Emirates. Arsenal’s last winning run ended at the start of this season and was followed by three consecutive defeats. The worry is that this defeat could see a return to the poor performances and lack of direction that has come to characterise much of the Spaniards time as manager. Fortunately, Newcastle are next up in Saturday’s early kick-off. O...

Gunners bidding to banish Anfield demons under Saturday night lights By Will Jennings Mikel Arteta leads his troops into battle bidding to finally put an end to Arsenal’s Anfield horror-show. The Gunners gaffer was last playing when Arsenal won a league game at Liverpool in September 2012 and will hope to repeat the feat in today’s Saturday evening kick-off. Arteta, 39, has revolutionised an Arsenal side after a stuttering start to the season and his players arrive on Merseyside riding the crest of a Premier League wave. Arsenal are defending a ten-game unbeaten run and after being bottom of the table during the first international break of the season – rivals Tottenham were top – have clambered to within touching distance of the Champions League places. The Gunners have managed just two points from their last eight matches at Anfield, however – conceding a staggering 28 goals in the process. But Jurgen Klopp’s team aren’t exactly in great form themselves, losing 3-2 at West Ham last t...