WENGER: THE OLD MAGIC HAS GONE
ARSENE WENGER admits Arsenal’s latest showdown with Liverpool will lack the magic of their previous battles. They have been involved in some epics since 1989 when Arsenal won the title at Anfield in the most famous of all (below). The Invicibles came back from 2-1 down to win 4-2 in a Good Friday shootout in 2004, while Liverpool knocked Arsenal out of a Champions League quarterfinal and thrashed them 4-0 in August. But Wenger conceded tonight’s showdown is about both pushing for a place in the top four rather than going for the title. “I’m aware of the history,” said the Gunners boss. “But this game isn’t about winning the league, it’s about the top four. “I watched that game in 1989, I saw the goal, Michael Thomas, it’s fantastic history for the club and since ’89 we’ve won championships, won FA Cups, we’ve played many times against Liverpool and many games can be remembered. “Of course a film has been made of it, that will go into history and it was a fantastic night for the club. “I don’t know what is my best memory, maybe when we won the championship in 2004. We were 2-1 down at half time and won 4-2, Thierry Henry. It was a pivotal game, the unbeaten season. “It’s always important against Liverpool. Ever since I’ve been here, 20 years, they’ve always been big teams. Let’s not forget I’ve played against Liverpool when they had Mascherano, Alonso, Steven Gerrard, Owen… they’ve had fantastic teams in the past, always.
“Now it seems there are six or seven teams fighting for the top four. So this game is important because of that but not more than any other in the top seven.”
Both teams have had defensive troubles this season, with Wenger and Jurgen Klopp proud to put attack before defence.
Arsenal shipped four goals at Anfield in August, while Liverpool’s frail backline has undermined their title challenge.
That tempted Wenger to abandon the back three, revert to a 4-4-2 and look for ways to tighten up his defence but also be more clinical in front of goal.
It could be a goal-fest at the Emirates, with the winner guaranteed fourth place for Christmas.
Wenger said: “Our happiness depends not on the presents we get but the results we make. That is what it is about.
“Liverpool are an offensive team. We’re a team who likes to go forward and create chances.
“Our home form has been strong, but you want to transform that into points. Against Man United we came away very frustrated because we created so many chances.
“We want to continue to focus on our performance because that’s the most important thing. There’s a gap in points – more than in performance.
“It’s very simple if you look at the mathematics. Who created the most chances in the league? Arsenal. Have we scored the most goals? No.
“Maybe we have to find solutions to be more efficient in front of goal.”