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Rampant Arsenal face tough test at Anfield

"We will have to improve a touch because Arsenal are probably playing as well as any side in Europe at the moment."

Jamie Carragher

Arsene Wenger knows greatness is within Arsenal's grasp but even the Gunners manager concedes this weekend's clash at Liverpool is the true test of his side's title credentials.

Wenger believes his current crop of talented youngsters is the best he has ever assembled and their superb start to the season leaves no doubt just how good they can be.

The Gunners are playing the most eye-catching soccer in Europe and go to Anfield tomorrow boasting a 12 match winning run which has propelled them to the top of the Premier League table.

Two more victories would equal the London club's best winning streak set 20 years ago, while their 7-0 rout of Slavia Prague was their joint-best European score.

On top of their fabulous passing, movement and finishing, Wenger's side have developed a solid backbone, with the defense keeping seven clean sheets in their last eight games.

Statistics alone don't do justice to Arsenal's majestic play in the first three months of the campaign. But their opponents so far have not been of the highest standard and Wenger knows tomorrow's game will give a clearer indication of whether they can dethrone Manchester United.

Gunners captain William Gallas, whose side were last crowned champions four seasons ago, is convinced his team-mates now have the desire, as well as the talent, to win the league.

"What has changed this year is drive, collective desire and fighting spirit," he said. "What I see is a group that is fantastic, our start to the season is amazing and we have great fun playing in such a team."

"But at the same time, all that is a little frightening. On Sunday at Anfield, we will know much more," he said.

While it seems Arsenal will face Rafa Benitez's side at the perfect time, appearances can be deceiving.

The Reds' midweek defeat against Besiktas has left their European challenge in severe trouble, but they remain unbeaten in the league and can close the gap on Arsenal to three points with a win.

Jamie Carragher was one of the few players to come out of the loss in Turkey with any credit and he knows Arsenal's visit gives Liverpool the perfect chance to bounce back.

"We've got a big game against Arsenal and we've got to be up for it," Carragher said. "We will have to improve a touch because Arsenal are probably playing as well as any side in Europe at the moment."

"But our record against Arsenal in the last few years is quite good and we want to keep that going," he said.

Another team aiming to show they are more than just a flash in the pan are Manchester City, who face resurgent Chelsea.

Sven-Goran Eriksson has quickly transformed City into one of the most entertaining and effective sides in the Premier League. They sit third in the table and are unbeaten in six matches, while Chelsea have won their last four matches.

Something has to give at Stamford Bridge, where Avram Grant is finally earning some respect after his controversial appointment as Jose Mourinho's successor.

Blues midfielder Joe Cole is certainly relishing Grant's style.

"A new manager comes in with a new style and you have to adjust," he said. "I'm enjoying working with him."

By the time Arsenal kick off, they could have been displaced at the top by United, who host Middlesbrough today looking to extend a run of seven successive league wins.

Ferguson's side, who have scored four times in each of their last three matches, look in the rudest of health despite injuries to several key players.

At the bottom of the table, Spurs coach Clive Allen will be in charge for tomorrow's game against Blackburn but the London club are certain to renew their attempt to lure Sevilla boss Juande Ramos to White Hart Lane.
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