Wenger – Why Anfield is so tough to visit

Arsenal travel to Anfield on Wednesday night in a bid to solidify their title bid against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.

The north London side go into the game in both good domestic form and recent performances against the Reds, losing just once in their last seven at Anfield.

Wenger, however, as reported by the club’s official website, believes it will not be an easy game.

Every time we go to Anfield, we face a team who is up for it. It’s always a ferocious battle, no matter who the manager is.

They had a very strong manager before, they have a very strong one now and Klopp has the personality to do well there.

Last season, Arsenal drew at Anfield after a stoppage time equaliser from Martin Skrtel. At this current point in the season, however, Liverpool come into the game with a big injury list and inconsistent form. Arsenal have come through a tough festive fixture list and are beginning to get injuries back, although Alexis Sanchez will miss the game.

The momentum creates confidence and confidence is vital at that level. In December and now in January we have been consistent and we go into a very important part of the season because we play many games.

That consistency is a good basis to go into the next game with the right belief.

Furthermore, Wenger is confident that his side can put up with the high-paced football that Liverpool are likely to play.

[We need to] play our game at a good pace. We are used to pressing. It is not just Liverpool who do that, everybody in the modern game [does it]. Pressing has been created in England basically because there is a history of teams who have done that very well so it is part of the modern game to make quick decisions, be very short with your first touch and play your game.

Regardless of the form of both sides, this remains a game of importance for the Gunners. Arsenal need to win to keep the pressure on their rivals, and Liverpool need to get a result to pull them out of the small rut that they find themselves in.