OPINION
Adrian Durham was left surprised by Stuart Pearce predicting Liverpool to beat Arsenal 2-0 on Saturday and it’s easy to see why.
Pearce told Durham on Friday that he believes Liverpool will beat the Gunners 2-0 and the talkSPORT broadcaster couldn’t fathom why the former defender believes Jurgen Klopp’s side will keep a clean sheet.
“2-0? With that front three?” said Durham on talkSPORT (17:16, Friday, August 23rd).
However while in an ideal world, the Reds will rack up a clean sheet on Saturday against the Gunners, Durham is right to be surprised by Pearce backing Arsenal not to score at Anfield.
This is for a couple of reasons.
While the Reds did have a fantastic defensive record in the league last season, they kept 21 clean sheets in 38 outings (Source: Premier League), it hasn’t been all smooth sailing this season.
Liverpool haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their games so far, as they conceded against Manchester City in the Community Shield, let in a goal against Norwich City, conceded two against Chelsea in the Super Cup and let in one against Southampton last Saturday.
And arguably Danny Ings should have scored another goal for the Saints in that game to earn his side a point.
So it makes sense that Arsenal will be able to score.
This is especially the case when you consider they have Pierre-Emmerick Aubameyang, who scored 22 goals last season, Alexandre Lacazette, who scored 13 goals, and Nicolas Pepe, who scored 23 goals, to call upon.
While Pepe got his goals last season for Lille, there’s no saying that he won’t be able to replicate his prolific form now wearing Arsenal’s colours.
Also, it’s worth noting that Aubameyang and Lacazette have both got off the mark already this season, and it’s worth highlighting that Aubameyang has been very lively in his first two outings as he has averaged 3.5 shots per game. (Source: WhoScored)
Another reason why Arsenal will likely get themselves at least a goal, is due to the Reds current goalkeeper situation.
With Alisson out injured, Adrian has been between the sticks.
The 32-year-old has failed to keep a clean sheet for Jurgen Klopp’s side thus far, as per WhoScored, and even made a blunder against the Saints which saw him only achieve a rating of 5.72.
So when you take that all into account, it’s hard to fathom why Pearce is backing the Reds to get a clean sheet as Durham is surely right to expect the London club to score.
