Arsenal’s early success under Emery faces Liverpool test

ARSENAL’S early success under Unai Emery, pictured, will be put to a stern test this weekend.

The Gunners are unbeaten in eight Premier League matches, and 13 overall, since losing their first two games under their new coach.

The league run, though, has come mainly against teams in the bottom half of the table with Watford the currently highest placed defeated opponent at seventh.

Next up tomorrow are Liverpool, who are second behind champions Manchester City on goal difference, with both unbeaten on 26 points from 10 games.

Arsenal, who are four points back in fourth place, have been slow starters this season.

They’ve yet to have a half-time lead in the league, scoring 18 of their 24 goals after the break.

“We’ve come out in the second half in our past few matches and really turned on the style and scored some goals,” defender Rob Holding said. We just need to start a bit faster and play how we do in the second half. That’s something to work on for the next game.”

The teams have combined for 50 goals in their last 12 meetings and the fireworks could continue with Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (seven league goals) and Liverpool’s Sadio Mane (six) and Mohamed Salah (five) all in fine form.

The difference could be at the back, where Liverpool have conceded just four league goals to Arsenal’s 13.

Champions Manchester City will be favoured to stay unbeaten when they host a Southampton side two points above the relegation places while Chelsea, who have also yet to lose and are two points back in third, host London rivals Crystal Palace.

Leicester City faces an emotional match when they visit Cardiff City.

The Foxes will be playing for the first time since owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was among five people killed when his helicopter crashed after last weekend’s draw with West Ham.

Tuesday’s League Cup game against Southampton was postponed but the club decided it wanted to play the league match.

“We are all behind Leicester, the players and the fans,” Cardiff manager Neil Warnock said before the decision to play was made.

“Whatever they decide will be fine by us. That is far more important than a football game.

“I’m sure there will be a lot of tears. Our supporters have been absolutely fantastic this season and will make sure it is a suitable occasion, but it will be a difficult afternoon.”

Newcastle and Huddersfield will be seeking elusive first wins when they host Watford and Fulham, respectively. Both sides have just three draws from their first 10 games with Huddersfield bottom of the table on goal difference.

It’s Newcastle’s worst top-flight start since 1898.

“It’s just a matter of keeping the faith and keeping believing,” defender DeAndre Yedelin said. “Stay positive. “Nobody’s ever got out of a tough situation by being negative.”

Manchester United visit Bournemouth, Everton host Brighton, West Ham face Burnley and Tottenham are away to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the other games. | DPA