For the first time in years, Liverpool are about to face an Arsenal team who seem to be trending upwards of late. The Reds, who have won their last eight Premier League matches, are scheduled to face the Gunners, who boast a five-match winning streak on Wednesday night at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta seems to have turned a corner, although it is reasonable to suggest that during his time in charge, Arsenal have applied a number of ideas which also helped Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp first arrived in England. The recruitment wasn't especially productive when the German coach agreed to move to Anfield, as Liverpool lacked identity and the squad consisted of a mixed bag of players.
Over time, Klopp has guided his players toward a collective idea. 'Intensity is our identity' is now written on the walls of Anfield, with the Reds commonly associated with pressing, hard work and attacking football.
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In the transfer market, Liverpool have showcased real expertise. The club has consistently bought players for Klopp's specific 4-3-3 system, and almost all of the signings made under their manager have been under the age of 26.
Each player who has joined the club has personified Klopp's principles. Liverpool have invested in players who are youthful, energetic, proactive, offensive-minded, versatile and packed full of quality, while also bringing through a number of academy products.
Crucially, Liverpool have only moved when the time is right. If the Reds haven't been able to acquire a desired target then rather than seeking an alternative, they have decided to wait.
A great deal of importance has been placed on avoiding flops in the market. Liverpool are only interested in landing hits and over time, that has allowed their squad to steadily evolve without any backward steps being taken.
It can take a number of windows for a team to recover from one single troublesome transfer, and the Reds know it. Arsenal aren't yet close to competing for the Premier League title, but they are moving forward and much of that stems from their recruitment decisions.
Arteta has constructed a team around youngsters such as Emile Smith-Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka to name but a few. His team have the youngest average age in the division, and they are building towards one collective way of playing.
Moreover, Arsenal have also shown a clear intent to wait for the right player in order to avoid flops.
The Gunners have been stung by the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil in recent seasons, each of whom had to be forced out of the door despite lengthy contracts.
In January, Arsenal had a need for a striker after allowing Aubameyang to depart. Arteta chased Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina but once the Serbian opted to join Juventus, he decided to wait until the summer rather than signing another option from elsewhere.
The likes of Ben White, Martin Odegaard, Nuno Tavares and Aaron Ramsdale joined last summer and every one of those players have contributed, with the Gunners deemed as the current favourites to finish fourth ahead of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Ultimately, Liverpool are about to face a team who have recruited well and moved toward one refined idea on Wednesday night and for that reason, it could be a tricky bout for the Reds to navigate.
