Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has warned his players that they cannot rely on his previous success against Arsenal when the two Premier League sides meet at Anfield on Sunday.
The Spaniard has beaten the Gunners in three of his last four meetings with them as a manager, having enjoyed an impressive record against Mikel Arteta’s side during his time at Bournemouth.
However, Iraola insists those results will count for little this weekend, with Liverpool requiring a different approach to overcome their title rivals.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s meeting, Iraola acknowledged his previous success against Arsenal but stressed that Liverpool present a completely different challenge.
“It is true that I do have good results with Bournemouth against them but this doesn’t mean a lot,” he said.
“This is a totally different team, a different group of players in a different moment. We cannot use the same things we used with Bournemouth against Arsenal.
“We have to use different tools, use our players as good as we can and trust them.”
Liverpool boss identifies key to beating Arsenal
Iraola also outlined the areas where Liverpool must compete if they are to get the better of Arsenal, highlighting the importance of physical battles and set-pieces.
“At the end it is going to be a matter of winning the duels, running more than them, winning the set-play mini-games and these sort of things you have to control against Arsenal.”
His comments suggest Liverpool will need to match Arsenal’s intensity across the pitch, with the outcome potentially hinging on fine margins rather than any particular tactical advantage.
The meeting represents another significant test for Iraola as he looks to build on Liverpool’s recent performances and improve their Premier League form.
Having already shown he can find ways to beat Arsenal, the former Bournemouth boss will now be hoping to achieve the same result with a different group of players.
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