Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos has claimed that Liverpool are easier to defend against than Burnley.
The Greek enforcer believed that the Gunners are confident after coming through the physical test that Sean Dyche’s team gave during their 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Sokratis believed it could be easier as he and his teammates will not need to fight as much against the Reds, who aren’t as direct as Burnley.
“It is a different game,” he said.
“Maybe it is more easy, because you don’t have to fight a lot – but they also play football.”
Arsenal’s last trip to Anfield ended in embarrassment as they were beaten 5-1 by Liverpool, who welcome the Gunners to Merseyside once again on Saturday.
OPINION
Maybe Sokratis doesn’t remember previous games against Liverpool, but ever since he joined Arsenal he has been dismantled many times by the prolific Reds. Arsenal have conceded 13 goals in their previous five games against Liverpool and their defence becomes more fragile at Anfield – having conceded three or more goals in their last four trips there. Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane outscored 13 teams in the Premier League last season and offer the toughest attacking set-up to keep quiet for any defence in the top-flight. Sokratis claiming that they will be easier to defend against than Burnley is surely a joke – Dyche’s side offered a great threat on the counter-attack on Saturday, and if Arsenal lose the battle in midfield like they did at times against Burnley, they will be dismantled very easily by the rampant Reds, who don’t need a second invitation to take advantage of a fragile defence.
