Daijiworld Media Network- London
London, Aug 29: Anfield is set for fireworks this weekend as Liverpool and Arsenal lock horns in what is being dubbed the first major showdown of the Premier League season. Both sides, who finished as last season’s top two, are determined to strike an early blow in the title race after splashing heavily in the summer transfer market.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have been exciting but shaky, conceding twice in each of their opening three outings across competitions, even as their attacking firepower rescued late wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle. In contrast, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal boast a watertight defence, yet to concede this campaign, while new signing Viktor Gyökeres has already netted twice in the 5-0 demolition of Leeds. Fans also await the possible debut of Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal carry impressive momentum, going 22 games unbeaten against traditional Big Six rivals since May 2023. But history weighs heavy — they have not tasted victory at Anfield since 2012.
Elsewhere, Manchester United’s woes deepen under Ruben Amorim after their shock League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby. With just one point from two league games despite a £200 million spend on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, pressure mounts ahead of their home clash against Burnley. Failure to win could see Amorim’s future in jeopardy during the upcoming international break.
Meanwhile, West Ham and Nottingham Forest managers face the heat in their own battle for survival. Graham Potter’s Hammers, rock bottom after consecutive heavy defeats, are under siege from fans following their League Cup loss to Wolves. At Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo is caught in a power tussle with club owner Evangelos Marinakis and new sporting director Edu, even as his side managed a steady start with four points from two games.
With high stakes across the board, this weekend promises decisive action both on and off the field in the Premier League.