Arsenal defender Ben White believes his team's 3-2 victory over Liverpool is a clear indication of the progress being made by the north London club - and explained how manager Mikel Arteta prepared them for the big match.
The Gunners failed to win any of the four fixtures played between the sides last season, two of which were arrived at the Carabao Cup semi-final stage, and had only beaten Liverpool twice in the top flight since 2015. That all changed at the weekend, however, as Arteta's men returned to the top of the table having now won eight of their nine games played.
The Reds have set the standard alongside Manchester City in recent years but have failed to hit their usual heights so far this campaign, highlighted by the 14-point gap now separating Arsenal and Jurgen Klopp's side despite only being in the month of October.
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Arteta has helped transform the fortunes of the league leaders having been backed to restore the glory days by those in senior positions at the club, and it's clear to see every player is buying into the winning mentality the Spaniard has instilled. Sunday's result represents the latest impressive chapter in the Gunners' ongoing journey, something that is not lost on White.
“Playing against Liverpool is always tough. In recent years, we haven’t got the results we wanted. This year is different,” the English defender told beIN SPORTS after the full-time whistle.
“I don’t think there’s any fear in our team. We’re all young and we’re hungry to be the best so that’s what we’re trying to do. It’s a process. We’re a year older, all of us, more experienced in the Premier League and it’s going in the right direction.
"This squad is fantastic, I don’t think there’s anyone getting ahead of themselves. You can see that in the training that we do in the week. It’s game by game, we’re not looking too far ahead. The way we’re going, we’re doing well. Game by game, like I said. Why not?"
Much had been made heading into Sunday's contest regarding whether Liverpool would stick or twist with the new-look formation that worked to great effect in the club's Champions League victory secured versus Rangers. Klopp rolled the dice in the end by repeating the same system, although White has claimed Arsenal would have been ready for whatever was thrown at them.
"All week with the gaffer, we were ready for everything. Tactically we’re ready and any situation that happens, we’re on it," explained the 25-year-old.
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