Havertz sent clear Alexander-Arnold Arsenal instruction ahead of Liverpool clash

Kai Havertz has been told by Arsenal legend Martin Keown the crucial task he must complete in this afternoon's clash against Liverpool. The two Premier League title rivals are currently separated by just one point in the table with the huge clash at Anfield set to decide who will sit top on Christmas Day.

Fellow title rivals Manchester City are currently in Saudi Arabia after winning the Club World Cup with their league fixture against Brentford postponed as a result. Aston Villa also dropped points on Friday evening which meant they were unable to leapfrog both Arsenal and Liverpool, further increasing the importance of this clash in order to potentially open up a considerable gap.

Mikel Arteta was fortunate to have a full week to prepare for the clash while Jurgen Klopp was tasked with managing his squad due to a Carabao Cup quarter-final against West Ham. The Reds eased past David Moyes' side with a 5-1 win however Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold were both brought on for the final 30 minutes.

The versatile Liverpool defender has been superb in recent weeks with six goal contributions in his last seven games across all competitions. From an Arsenal perspective, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and William Saliba look set to be the key men, although Kai Havertz could now be considered as one of those.

The Germany international has been in impressive form in front of goal in recent weeks and he netted Arsenal's second goal in the 2-0 win against Brighton. While his contributions in attack have been useful, he may have a different role in a tense atmosphere at Anfield this evening.

“This is a defining game for Havertz, in particular," Keown wrote in the Daily Mail. "He looks like he has turned a corner in terms of his creativity of late, but he will be up against Trent Alexander-Arnold when the Liverpool man moves into midfield from his inverted right-back position.

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“Alexander-Arnold has six Premier League assists against Arsenal — more than against any other opponents — and most of those were registered from wide areas. Now playing centrally, he is doing even more damage. A player with his vision cannot be allowed time and space.

“When Alexander-Arnold steps inside from Havertz’s side of the pitch, he needs shutting down. Liverpool love to flood the midfield and, as talented as he is, Rice cannot pick up everyone while trying to protect Saliba and Gabriel.”