Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has described Sunday’s recreation at Arsenal as a “huge” fixture even when it comes early within the Premier League title race.
The Reds go into the weekend high of the desk and having fun with the perfect general begin to a season in membership historical past after Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League win at RB Leipzig made it 11 wins from 12 beneath new supervisor Arne Slot.
Final weekend’s 2-1 house win over Chelsea was seen as a serious take a look at of their title credentials however a fair greater one awaits on the Emirates Stadium, the place Liverpool fell to a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal final February beneath Jurgen Klopp.
“It’s early days within the title race however it’s nonetheless a large recreation,” Kelleher mentioned.
“We didn’t get the perfect end result there final season and we might be seeking to do higher this time. It is going to be actually robust and we have to be ready.”
Kelleher made his fourth Liverpool look of the season in Leipzig and is about to maintain his place for a number of weeks longer not less than as common primary Alisson Becker recovers from the hamstring harm suffered towards Crystal Palace on October 5.
Republic of Eire worldwide Kelleher is seen as among the best back-up goalkeepers in world soccer, and the 25-year-old is eager to take his alternative to shine, having recorded his second clear sheet of the marketing campaign in Germany.
“I simply must hold taking part in properly when I’ve the chance, it’s good to get a run of video games and hopefully get some clear sheets,” mentioned Kelleher, who’s having fun with the advantages of being primary for now.
“You get a rhythm of video games. When you recognize you’ve got recreation time arising it’s simpler to arrange.”
A strengthened defence has been an early hallmark of Liverpool beneath Slot, they usually have stored seven clear sheets in 12 video games.
“It has been an ideal begin, clearly,” Kelleher mentioned.
“It’s right down to a variety of issues. Positively, the defensive type has been key. We’ve got stored a number of clear sheets and conceded much less objectives.
“On nights like (Wednesday), it’s not simple coming away from house however to dig in and defend properly as a complete workforce, we’re doing that brilliantly proper now.
“I don’t need to be busy in any respect. The defenders are key to that this season. The entire workforce has actually put in some shifts and there have been some large blocks and massive tackles to get the clear sheets.”
If Liverpool can hold Arsenal quiet on Sunday, speak of their title potential will solely ramp up, however Kelleher believes they’re prepared.
“I’ll all the time again the workforce,” he mentioned.
“I do know the standard we have now. It’ll be a tricky recreation, clearly, going to the Emirates, it’s not simple in any respect however we are going to do our greatest to be as properly ready as we are able to and we are going to give it a great go.”
