Liverpool’s defence has been their Achilles’ heel this season and goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has also had his fair share of scrutiny. But the Reds have improved of late – going the entire November unbeaten – and saw off Bournemouth 4-0 on Sunday.
Now Mignolet and co. head to the Emirates Stadium on Friday to face Arsenal in what is considered to be a mouthwatering contest between two heavyweights in the Premier League.
The Belgian shot-stopper has advised his team to use the lessons from last season’s thrilling victory at Arsenal to come home with three priceless points on Friday.
The opening day of the 2016-17 campaign saw Jurgen Klopp’s side produce a counter-attacking masterclass to earn a 4-3 win over the Gunners in the capital. It was a breathtaking game that paved way for a fantastic league season which was eventually won by Antonio Conte’s Chelsea.
Mignolet now believes his teammates can utilise their explosive pace on the break to claim three points again when they return to London this weekend.
“It’s always an exciting fixture. Last year was a crazy game. I think it’s two sides who like to play football and like to attack, so it will be a nice challenge for us,” Mignolet told Liverpoolfc.com.
“[We want] to create chances like we always do but at the same time make sure that with the guys they have in their squad and the quality they’ve got [that we can] stop them. That will be the biggest challenge.
“We can definitely use [last year’s win]. Not only [do our forwards have] individual quality but also they are so quick in the counter-attack.
“When we win the ball back, if we can feed them very early, then they can run at the defence. I think that’s always difficult to defend when you have to run back toward your own goal. With the speed they’ve got, it’s never easy,” he added.
The Belgian is confident regarding his attackers but wants his defenders to keep things tight again at Emirates.
He said: “It’s been a long time since we conceded a goal from open play – against Chelsea at the very end of the game.
“We’re defending really well at the moment, we’ve been solid.
“The three points is the most important thing and the boys up front are scoring so we know we [just] have to keep clean sheets to make it easier for us to win games.”
Liverpool dropped points against Everton and West Bromwich Albion, before the win over Bournemouth and will be eyeing to steal a win against the Gunners.
