5 reasons why Arsenal will destroy Liverpool

Arsenal host Liverpool in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Christmas period as they look to avenge their 4-0 defeat at the Anfield back in August. Both teams are separated by just a solitary point and are outside of the top 3.

Both sides have injury concerns of their own heading into the game. Aaron Ramsey is still suffering from a hamstring injury and Santi Cazorla may not be returning anytime soon for Arsenal.

Liverpool on the other hand are still without Alberto Moreno due to an ankle injury while Joel Matip is out with a muscle problem. Nathaniel Clyne is also struggling to return to full fitness.

Both teams have shown some inconsistent form this season. Arsenal beat Newcastle 1-0 last week while Liverpool destroyed Bournemouth 4-0 away from home in the build-up to this mouth-watering fixture.

Let's take a look at 5 reasons why we believe Arsenal will destroy Liverpool at the Emirates:

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#5 Mesut Ozil is back to his best

Mesut Ozil is in the form of his life

The German midfielder is showing Arsene Wenger what he is capable of with some stunning performances over the last few weeks.

His recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. Ozil played a key role in the win over Tottenham and Newcastle. He then single-handedly destroyed Huddersfield. The 29-year-old is enjoying his best run of form for Arsenal and is currently Wenger's best player by a mile.

More than the goals and assists, his overall influence and vision has improved the team a lot. He will be expected to run the show again on Friday and given his recent run of form, there is no stopping Mesut Ozil.

Last 4 games

Vs Tottenham - 1 assist

Vs Swansea - 1 assist

Vs Huddersfield - 1 goal, 2 assists

Vs Newcastle - 1 goal

#4 Arsenal's form at the Emirates is phenomenal

Arsenal have been stunning at home

Arsenal have shown some stunning home form this season while struggling on the road. The Emirates is proving to be a tough place to visit and teams are struggling to get the better of the Gunners at the home turf.

Arsenal have won 13 of their last 14 matches at home and their only loss came against Manchester United. Even in their defeat to United, Arsene Wenger's men were the better team and were only denied a result by the heroics of David De Gea.

They have taken 24 out of the possible 27 points at home this season and also managed to keep 6 clean sheets in the process. Arsenal have also scored 22 goals at the Emirates in 9 Premier League games this season.

Even though Liverpool's away form has been quite good this season, it will take a herculean task for them to beat Arsenal at the Emirates.

#3 Liverpool's failure against top teams this season

Liverpool lost 5-0 to Manchester City at the Etihad earlier this season

Liverpool are destroying their opponents in Premier League and Europe. They have one of the most feared attacks in Europe, with the likes of Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Phillipe Coutinho wrecking havoc in the opposition's penalty area.

However, their record against the top teams does not look very good. Klopp's side struggle against quality teams and in 5 games against the Premier League title contenders this season, Liverpool have managed to get only 5 points.

Even in the UEFA Champions League, Klopp's side only managed to draw both their games against Sevilla. Surprisingly, their only win against a quality side came at Anfield in August against Arsenal.

Liverpool's results against EPL title contenders this season:

Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

Spurs 4-1 Liverpool

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United

Manchester City 5-0 Liverpool

Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal

#2 Liverpool's defensive woes

Liverpool will be without the services of Joel Matip

Centre-back is one of the biggest areas of concern for Jurgen Klopp's side. The Reds have already paid dearly for not signing a centre-back last summer and Liverpool's frailty in defense has been exposed by many teams this season. Manchester City beat them 5-0 while Sevilla came from 3--0 down to draw the game 3-3 to name a few.

Liverpool have 3 recognized Centre-backs in their ranks but are left with only two for the Friday fixture against Arsenal. Joel Matip is out injured, leaving Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan as the only options for Klopp.

Lovren and Klavan have made dreadful errors this season. Lovren's fault cost Liverpool the game at Wembley against Tottenham while Klavan has been inconsistent, despite finding some form in recent weeks. They never looked assured at the back and Liverpool's defense was exposed too often this season.

#1 Arsenal's pace on the counter will catch Liverpool off guard

Sanchez will be key for Arsenal

Liverpool were often troubled by pace on the flanks this season. Players like Kieran Trippier, Marcus Rashford, and Willian have all troubled Liverpool this season. Lack of pace at the back and Klopp's high pressing style has exposed his team on the counter this season.

Arsenal have exactly the right recipe to trouble Liverpool. Hector Bellerin can cause a lot of problems for Liverpool along with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck. It has become a strategy for many teams to sit back and hit Liverpool on the break.

Can the Gunners expose Liverpool's vulnerability is something that we will have to wait and see.