'Don't feel sorry for ourselves' - Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal will tackle Liverpool showdown head on despite raft of injuries

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- WHAT HAPPENED?
  
  On Sunday, a depleted Arsenal will be hosting an in-form Liverpool side in a key Premier League clash. Arteta will be missing the services of key players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and William Saliba. While Saka, Odegaard and Timber are suffering from injuries, Saliba is out of the clash for serving a one-match suspension due to his sending-off in the Bournemouth clash last weekend.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

However, despite the several injuries and suspensions, Arteta remained confident that the Gunners will put up a tough fight against Arne Slot’s men. After the setback against the Cherries, the North London side bounced back in the Champions League as they beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 in the midweek. The Reds, on the other hand, are on an eight-game winning streak across all competitions.

WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

Speaking to reporters at his pre-match press conference, the Gunners boss said, “This is the game. Obviously, we didn’t want to be in those situations but we are really lucky as well to have the squad that we have, to have the players that we have, to have the attitude that we have. When it comes down to reacting to a difficult situation, don’t feel sorry for ourselves; face it. We are a team that knows how good we are as well and how difficult we can be for the opponent. Having that ruthless mentality in the team is something I love.”

He added, “We have different options [in defence]. That partnership [between Saliba and Gabriel] has been very stable but we have to find a solution. [There is] so much going on with the backline but we have had to adapt to that and the versatile players have been really useful. We had a day off after the Champions League and two days to prepare the game. This is a big match, a big opportunity, and we love these kind of matches at the Emirates.

“The team is really looking forward to it. We have to maintain playing with dominance and belief. Our belief, energy and commitment is needed in a big match like this. “Arne Slot’s start has been very good. They are in a really great moment and run. They’re a team who for nine years have been competing at the highest level.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

After facing Liverpool this Sunday, the Gunners will next take on Preston in EFL Cup round of 16 clash before facing Newcastle United in the Premier League in November 2.