Three days after drawing 1-1 with Chelsea in the League Cup Round of 16, Liverpool return to Anfield with something to prove in the league. Andoni Iraola’s side sit fifth with 15 points, six behind Arsenal, who arrive having won seven of their eight Premier League games and lost just once all season. The Gunners’ defensive record stands at five goals conceded in the league so far, and Alexander Isak, six goals in eight matches and the second-highest scorer in the division, gives Liverpool a genuine weapon to test it.
Alexander Isak’s recent form
Isak has six Premier League goals this season, placing him second only to Erling Haaland (9) in the Golden Boot race. His contributions span wins over Brighton (2-0, Anfield) and Brentford (2-1 away), and a 4-3 Champions League win against Villarreal last month underlined that he delivers in high-pressure environments too.
Within Iraola’s system, Isak operates as the focal point of a direct but technically refined attack. Liverpool’s front line tends to exploit transitions, and Isak’s combination of pace, link-up play, and clinical finishing makes him the primary beneficiary when Liverpool push forward from deep. His ability to hold the line and bring others into play has been particularly evident across the last five matches, where Liverpool have scored in every game.
The tactical matchup
Arsenal’s central defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães has been one of the tightest in the league, conceding just five goals in eight games. That unit will be Isak’s primary obstacle on Sunday. Saliba in particular has been composure personified this season, rarely overcommitting and difficult to run in behind on a direct ball.
Where Isak could find space is in the channels, particularly if Liverpool use their width to stretch Arsenal’s defensive shape. Mikel Arteta’s side tend to maintain a compact, narrow mid-block, and if Isak can pull Saliba or Gabriel wide, the runs of Liverpool’s supporting midfield through the center could become an outlet. Arsenal have conceded only once across their last four Premier League matches, so any route through will require patience.
What’s at stake for him
Isak has had a complicated relationship with consistency at the highest level over his career, with injury disruptions limiting his ability to sustain long scoring runs. Six goals in eight Premier League games is among the best starts he has had at this level, and keeping pace with Haaland over a full season would mark a significant step. A goal against Arsenal, who have the best defensive record outside the top three, would carry extra weight in any Golden Boot conversation.
For Liverpool, the gap to Arsenal is six points with a game in hand. A win here does not move them into automatic Champions League contention immediately, but it tightens the picture. Isak being the difference-maker at Anfield in a match of this profile would reinforce his standing as one of the division’s elite forwards, not just a fast starter.
Key Stats
Match Context
Standings
Head To Head
Our Prediction
Arsenal’s defensive solidity makes this a genuine test, but Isak has been one of the few strikers this season who can create something from almost nothing. Liverpool’s home record and the Norwegian’s momentum in front of goal suggest he will get at least one clear look. A 1-1 draw would fit the pattern of recent meetings between these sides, but if Liverpool are going to find a way through, Isak is the most likely route.