Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has described Sunday’s recreation at Arsenal as a “large” fixture even when it comes early within the Premier League title race.
The Reds go into the weekend prime of the desk and having fun with the perfect total 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 underneath 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 larger one awaits on the Emirates Stadium, the place Liverpool fell to a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal final February underneath Jurgen Klopp.
“It’s early days within the title race however it’s nonetheless an enormous recreation,” Kelleher mentioned.
“We didn’t get the perfect end result there final season and we will probably be trying to do higher this time. It will likely be actually powerful and we should be ready.”
Kelleher made his fourth Liverpool look of the season in Leipzig and is about to maintain his place for just a few weeks longer at the least as common primary Alisson Becker recovers from the hamstring harm suffered in opposition to 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 have to preserve taking part in nicely 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 will have recreation time developing it’s simpler to arrange.”
A strengthened defence has been an early hallmark of Liverpool underneath Slot, and so they have stored seven clear sheets in 12 video games.
“It has been an excellent begin, clearly,” Kelleher mentioned.
“It’s all the way down to various issues. Positively, the defensive kind has been key. We’ve stored quite a lot of clear sheets and conceded much less targets.
“On nights like (Wednesday), it’s not straightforward coming away from house however to dig in and defend nicely as a complete staff, we’re doing that brilliantly proper now.
“I don’t wish to be busy in any respect. The defenders are key to that this season. The entire staff has actually put in some shifts and there have been some huge blocks and massive tackles to get the clear sheets.”
If Liverpool can preserve Arsenal quiet on Sunday, discuss of their title potential will solely ramp up, however Kelleher believes they’re prepared.
“I’ll at all times again the staff,” he mentioned.
“I do know the standard we’ve. It’ll be a troublesome recreation, clearly, going to the Emirates, it’s not straightforward in any respect however we’ll do our greatest to be as nicely ready as we are able to and we’ll give it a great go.”
