Szoboszlai has been a standout for Liverpool so far. — AFP
LIVERPOOL’S Premier League title defence has gotten off to a rocky start.
The Reds chalked up six points from their first two matches but the wins were far from convincing.
It is fair to say that the Merseyside club have gotten away with the victories against both Bournemouth and Newcastle United despite their poor defending.
Having led both matches by two goals and to see the opposing teams equalise before needing late goals to win, is concerning.
Liverpool’s defence looks shaky and with Arsenal going to Anfield this weekend, Arne Slot will have to whip his team into shape and tighten up at the back if they want to continue their winning run.
The Gunners have kept two clean sheets while Liverpool have let in four goals in two matches.
The Reds clearly still need more time and matches for everyone to be in sync with each other.
Virgil van Dijk has been a rock in defence but alone, he could only do so much.
Ibrahima Konate does not look like the same player from last season.
Talks over a new contract seemingly at a stalemate and murmurs of Real Madrid being interested in him may be the reason for his recent performances.
Milos Kerkez, too, does not seem to be the same left back that had impressed many people last season.
But being the new boy on the block, the jury is still out and hopefully he can improve and contribute more to the team.
His countryman Dominik Szoboszlai, on the other hand, has impressed while playing as a makeshift right back, with Jeremie Frimpong injured and Conor Bradley slowly returning to fitness.
The midfielder could be retained in that position against Arsenal as Slot would require more stability along the backline.
Ryan Gravenberch’s return to the starting line-up in his first match of the season against Newcastle has proven fruitful, scoring a long-range effort but like the others, he still needs time to get his rhythm back.
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s record signing, is being given a free hand by Slot in midfield, allowing him to be everywhere on the pitch to do what he does best.
The German international, however, seems to be still finding his feet, having to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League.
Hugo Ekitike, who also made the switch from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, has made a great start to his Liverpool career, having already scored three goals.
The Frenchman will no doubt retain his place in the starting 11 against the Gunners, alongside Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
As for Arsenal, they will be without Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka for the trip to Liverpool.
Even with both players unavailable, Mikel Arteta’s team could still pose a threat to the Reds.
Eberechi Eze, who completed a move from Crystal Palace last weekend, could be thrust straight into the void left by Odegaard.
The England midfielder was a constant danger to the Reds during the Community Shield two weeks ago.
Noni Madueke would likely replace Saka on the right wing while Gabriel Martinelli could be on the left and Viktor Gyokeres front and centre.
The North London side hammered Leeds United 5-0 last week in a powerful show of strength, showing their intent to wrest the league title from Liverpool.
Given the Reds’ current defensive frailties, Arsenal would probably go into the match as the favourites to pick up three points.
All eyes will also be on two talented teenagers, Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha, 16, who scored the winning goal against Newcastle last week, and Arsenal’s Max Dowman, 15.
