Alan Hansen: Liverpool Must Now Target Arsenal

Reds heading south at a good time.

Feb 9, 2010 4:36:00 AM

By Zack Wilson

Alan Hansen - New Football Pools

Liverpool legend Alan Hansen feels that this week could be the perfect time for Rafa Benitez's side to face Arsenal.

The Reds head to the Emirates on Wednesday having put together a seven-match unbeaten run. They have also kept clean sheets in six of those seven games.

Arsenal, in contrast, have endured a diffcult last few weeks, and have just suffered consecutive defeats to Chelsea and Manchester United.

Hansen feels that that can only have had a negative effect on the Gunners' confidence.

"Liverpool are unbeaten in their last seven league matches and have conceded just one goal in this run," Hansen told the Reds' official website.

"This may be a good time to face Arsenal with confidence knocked from their back-to-back defeats and once again showing physical weakness against their rivals.

"Liverpool have shown a real aggression, great work-rate and a will to win in recent weeks which suggests they will get right in the Gunners' faces from the off.

"Just like Chelsea and United did against Arsenal, Liverpool will pack the centre of the park, force the Gunners wide and make them resort to crossing.

"This will be food and drink to the Reds' defenders who will look to smother Arsenal's creative talents at every opportunity."

Liverpool recorded a hard-earned victory over neighbours Everton at the weekend and Hansen believes that the time is ripe to start targeting Arsenal rather than worrying about sides behind them.

He added: "Rather than looking over their shoulders at the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and Manchester City, Benitez's team can target the Gunners themselves who will be just two points ahead of them if Liverpool can pick up an away win at the Emirates."

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