The prospect of facing the Premier League leaders having matched Liverpool's longest run without a win in more than five years should really have made Jurgen Klopp fearful.
But, speaking moments after Tuesday's goalless draw at Chelsea, the Reds boss was positively enthused by the imminent visit of Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
"I’m really looking forward to this game now," said Klopp. "Arsenal are flying and in incredible shape and playing super football, it’s really good to watch as well. But we are there, it’s a home game, and our home record is not as bad as our away record. If we are difficult to beat against Arsenal, we can win this game."
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Not without good reason does Klopp point out the difference between Liverpool's record on their own patch and efforts on the road. Only Arsenal and Manchester duo City and United have taken more points at home, with the Reds having played fewer such games. Away, though, Liverpool have taken as many points - 12 in 15 games - as rock-bottom Southampton and accrued a whopping 21 fewer than Arsenal.
It goes some way to explaining why they stand an astonishing 29 points behind a Gunners team they finished 23 points clear of last season.
However, Anfield has been something of a safe haven in the Premier League this season for Liverpool, even if their dominance isn't quite as it has been in recent years. Nevertheless, the 2-1 defeat to Leeds in late October is the only time they have lost a home top-flight match in front of supporters in almost six years.
Manchester City and Newcastle United have both been beaten this campaign, while Bournemouth were thrashed 9-0 to match the biggest-ever win in Premier League history. And, of course, Manchester United were routed in a record-breaking 7-0 triumph.
Remarkably, that was the last time Liverpool played at Anfield - more than a month ago. That the Reds have played fewer home games than any of the team in the Premier League this season points to an imbalance that sees them play six of their last 10 games at Anfield. Indeed, since the season resumed after the World Cup, a remarkable 13 of the 20 games played by Klopp's side have been away. Liverpool have won only seven times in that period.
Arsenal's recent record at Anfield is dreadful, having not won there in the Premier League since September 2012. Since then, Liverpool have scored 37 goals in the fixture. True, the Gunners earned a League Cup win on penalties after a goalless draw behind closed doors in 2020, but the similar scoreline in the semi-final first leg last season was rendered worthless by Liverpool winning the return 2-0.
Ten points adrift of the top four, it seems extremely unlikely Liverpool will be able to close the gap and earn Champions League qualification this season.
But even just to secure their place in Europe, the Reds are going to have to ensure the power of Anfield is fully harnessed over the closing weeks of the campaign - starting on Sunday.
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