Liverpool to reveal how good Arsenal really are, Lukaku to be on the bench again and Hart has a point to prove at West Ham
After the Unai Emery era opened with defeats by Manchester City and Chelsea, it was hard not to wonder if Arsenal were going to endure another uncertain season. Yet a kind run of fixtures has allowed confidence to grow and Arsenal’s players are gaining a strong understanding of Emery’s demands. They are unbeaten in all competitions since losing to Chelsea on 18 August and find themselves four points off the top of the table, with optimism flowing thanks to the goals of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lucas Torreira’s snappy contributions in midfield. But just how good are they? More excitable supporters will say Emery is constructing a title challenge, whereas the more discerning will accept a top-four finish should be the target for this evolving side. Either way, Saturday’s visit from Liverpool should offer a clearer indication of Arsenal’s level. For all the positives, Emery is yet to solve the problem of his side’s slow starts and the Spaniard’s unconvincing defence will surely be pushed to the limit by Liverpool’s front three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah. JS
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