'I'm quietly confident' - McAteer on Arsenal clash
Liverpool's unbeaten record against other members of the Premier League's top six this season causes Jason McAteer to feel 'quietly confident' ahead of today's clash with Arsenal.
An impressive 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur three weeks ago means the Reds go into their game against the Gunners with four victories and four draws to show from eight meetings with Chelsea, Spurs, Arsene Wenger’s side and the Manchester clubs so far this term.
Arsenal were defeated 4-3 in a thrilling encounter at Emirates Stadium on the opening weekend of the campaign, and former Liverpool man McAteer thinks the likely pattern of Saturday’s match at Anfield could benefit the hosts as they look to kick-start their form in 2017 following a testing start to the year.
“In some ways it’s an ideal game. It’s like the Chelsea game - people were really worrying about another defeat but Liverpool, certainly this season, have played better against teams that come and play their way, that like to play expansive football which gives them space to exploit,” the ex-No.4 told Liverpoolfc.com, while in Hong Kong for the third edition of LFC World.
“We’ve seen that against all the top six teams, really, Liverpool have always done really well and Arsenal are one of those teams.
“I don’t think Arsene Wenger will come and change his tactics because he’s away from home and playing against Liverpool.
“They play their way and they’ll think pound-for-pound that they’re better than Liverpool, that’s how top-six teams think.
“But Liverpool, in that scenario where teams give them space and time on the ball, that’s when the more creative and influential players thrive in that environment.
“That’s why we see [Philippe] Coutinho, [Adam] Lallana, [Roberto] Firmino and [Sadio] Mane have their best games against the top-six sides.
“So I’m going into the game quietly confident. At Anfield, it’ll be a full house, so I’m expecting a good performance and hopefully a positive result.”
A sequence of two wins in 12 fixtures across all competitions since January 1 has seen Jürgen Klopp’s men drop out of both domestic cup competitions and slip to fifth place in the Premier League.
And McAteer explained that mental strength is key for teams to emerge from a difficult run of form.
“I think it’s about mentality when you go on a losing streak - it’s about picking yourself up, being resilient, bouncing back, showing character,” the former Republic of Ireland international said.
“We talk about these words a lot, but it’s true. We’ve got to get a win and then build on that. You’ve got to stick together as a team and show a united front.
“As a player, you’ve got to shut off from it [talk in the media], you know how it works and you’ve got to try and stay away from the criticism coming your way. If you can do that, I think it’s a good start.”
Missed what's been going on during LFC World in Hong Kong? Catch up here...
Day one>>>
Day two>>>
Legends learn kung fu: Photos>>> and video>>>
Photos: Legends roll back the years at five-a-side>>>