Jurgen Klopp made sure to highlight Arsenal’s remarkable rise over the last 12 months as Liverpool look to bounce back from a disappointing Premier League campaign of their own.
It almost feels like lightyears ago.
Believe it or not, Arsenal’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace came exactly one year ago yesterday; Patrick Vieira’s side dismantling Mikel Arteta’s during a dominant and one-sided victory at Selhurst Park.
How times have changed since then.
Arsenal were 19 points off top spot 12 months back. They are eight points clear these days; the Gunners threatening to run away with the title as they chase their first top-flight crown in nearly two decades.
Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. And Klopp may be looking to take inspiration from one of Europe’s most improved sides as the Reds look to bounce back from what is rapidly becoming a write-off of a campaign.
Arsenal will face Liverpool at Anfield this weekend
“For now, it is not about finding big explanations or whatever,” Klopp told the Liverpool website following Tuesday’s dull 0-0 draw at fellow underachievers Chelsea. “It’s about putting the hard work in. And that’s what the boys did tonight.
“That’s what I liked about the game. As I said, it is not a game people will write books about. But it is a point for us, it is one more than before and I can easily live with that. From here we go; the next game is Arsenal now.
“I don’t know exactly where Arsenal were last year. But they are now obviously flying, in incredible shape, play super football, honestly, that is really good to watch.
“But we are there, it is a home game and our home record is not as bad as the away record. It means I am really looking forward to this game now.
“Tonight, I saw a step (forward) and that’s what I wanted. Now, let’s carry on.”
There are seven places and a remarkable 29 points between Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League table.
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