Arteta can take inspiration from George Graham to expunge painful Anfield memories

Arsenal face Liverpool on Sunday seeking to end a 13-game Premier League winless run at Anfield; Arteta can draw lessons from George Graham's 1989 title-clinching victory.

Arsenal have not won at Liverpool in the Premier League for 13 league matches, equalling their worst run at the ground. Manager Mikel Arteta, who played for Everton at Anfield in 2011 and later for Arsenal, has struggled there throughout his career and managerial tenure. He finally won as a player in September 2012 but suffered a concussion after colliding with Jordan Henderson. As manager, his only victory at Anfield came in the League Cup on penalties in 2020.

Arteta's approach has often been cautious at Anfield, including an infamous attempt to prepare his squad by playing "You'll Never Walk Alone" over the training ground speakers before a 4-0 defeat in November 2021. Last season's 1-0 loss to a late Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick drew criticism from Gary Neville, who questioned Arsenal's mentality in big away matches.

The article suggests Arteta can take inspiration from George Graham's 1989 side, which arrived at Anfield needing a 2-0 victory to win the title. Graham's defensive approach proved decisive: Michael Thomas scored in stoppage time to clinch the championship. Graham emphasised keeping things tight and not conceding early, allowing Liverpool to play into Arsenal's hands. Sunday's match comes five days after Arsenal's shock Carabao Cup exit to Fleetwood Town, with Bukayo Saka sidelined by injury and concerns over other players' fitness.