Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp concedes Arsenal’s defensive structure and counter-attacking threat is what makes Mikel Arteta’s side so hard for top clubs to play against.
The Reds go up against the Gunners on Monday, with both clubs heading into the game with 100 per cent records in the league so far.
The last time the two teams met in the Community Shield in August, Arsenal won the match on penalties after it ended 1-1 in normal time.
A hallmark of Arteta’s new look Arsenal team is their defensive stability, while players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang provides plenty of speed when transitioning from defence to attack.
‘It’s a defensive structure, they defend properly,’ the German boss admitted. ‘All the players are involved in their defending.
‘They defend in a 5-4-1 and when you have quality players that makes it tricky for the opposition, then with the speed they in the counter-attack can cause you trouble. ‘I can say a lot of positive things about Arsenal, but I think we still have a chance on Monday night.’
Klopp also believes Mikel Arteta has already proven himself as a top manager in the Premier League, despite only joining the club last December.
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‘Mikel Arteta has shown in a short period of time he seems an exceptional football manager,’ he added.
‘The structure of his team is exceptional, the balance of the team is really good. He has changed the whole mood of the club.’
