Arsenal duo Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny could silence Liverpool again

Santi Cazorla celebrates with Arsenal defenders Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny

Arsenal centre-back pairing Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker face one of the biggest tests of their season on Saturday as they travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool and arguably the most strike force in the division, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

The north Londoners remain at the top of the tree, but Chelsea’s victory over Manchester City means the Gunners’ slender advantage over the pair has been cut to two points, with Liverpool a further six points back but equally as desperate to reel in Arsenal’s lead.

Arsene Wenger’s side may have been accused of lacking resilience and presence in defence in recent years but a certain French and German combination has silenced the critics this season. While unnecessary errors and lapses in concentration have blighted Arsenal’s title challenge in the past, they now boast two of the league’s best defenders.

When Koscielny arrived from Lorient in 2010 he was quickly written off after he failed to assert himself during his debut season in the Premier league, while Mertesacker’s was deemed a panic buy that lacked the pace to compete in England following his move from Werder Bremen.

However, although the pair both possess weaknesses, Wenger, who has signed a string of failed defenders during his time at the Emirates, has moulded them into a superb partnership that has provided the foundation on which to build a serious title challenge. The duo are more than capable of halting the goal scoring exploits of Liverpool’s front line just as they did when the sides met earlier in the season and Arsenal pulled off a convincing 2-0 victory over their rivals.

Although Koscielny is by no means weak in this department, Mertesacker takes charge in the air. The German has won 71% of his headers, and competed in 31 more duels than his defensive partner. At 6ft 6in Mertesacker is a physical force to be reckoned with and Liverpool will not get any joy in the air against him, as Suarez has won just 30% of his aerial challenges while Sturridge has a pathetic 5%.

Mertesacker average duels won

Liverpool are far more likely to keep the ball on the floor and attempt to pass their way through Arsenal. But Koscielny possesses deceptive pace to match Liverpool’s attacking weaponry and is easily the most mobile of the two. Mertesacker is slow to turn and can be exposed but his flaws are complemented well by Koscielny. The French international can cover runs in behind his partner while Mertesacker relies on his good positioning and ability to read the game.

Koscielny average duels won

With two defensive errors apiece, they give little away and Liverpool are unlikely to receive a gift like the one their own Kolo Toure gifted Victor Anichebe against West Bromwich Albion last week. Both players boast an impressive 93% average passing accuracy and are equally assured in possession that allows them to feed their midfield contingent with quality service, even in the most hostile atmospheres. During Arsenal’s victory in Dortmund in the Champions League group stages Koscielny’s total was 91% while Mertesacker’s was 86%.