Thursday, December 18, 2008

Livderpool FC's Javier Mascherano Wants An Aresenal Hat-trick

LIVERPOOL’S midfield enforcer Javier Mascherano believes that the Reds can complete an impressive hat-trick of victories over their title rivals this weekend when they travel to the Emirates Stadium.

So far this season, Liverpool have already recorded a first ever victory over English and European champions Manchester United under manager Rafael Benitez, a 2-1 at Anfield in September.

And they defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in October to end the London club’s record-breaking 86-game unbeaten home record.

Such success contrasts sharply to Liverpool’s poor record in previous campaigns against fellow members of ‘The Big Four’ since Benitez’s arrival from Valencia.

Between the 2004/05-2007/08 seasons, Liverpool lost 15 of their 20 Premier League encounters against the rest of the big four, collecting just 17 points from a possible 60.

However, as they bid to secure their first Premier League crown and end a 19-year-wait for the title to return to Anfield, Liverpool have looked impressive this term against their title rivals.

Curiously though, Liverpool – like Sunday’s opponents Arsenal – have struggled against some of the division’s lesser lights with home draws against Stoke, Fulham, West Ham and Hull.

But unlike the Gunners, who have lost five games, Benitez’s side who are currently a point clear of Chelsea at the summit, remain very much in the title hunt.

With second-placed Chelsea not playing until Monday night at Goodison Park and third-placed Manchester United away in Japan for the Fifa Club World Cup, Liverpool have the chance to stretch their lead at the top of the table with victory over Arsene Wenger’s men.

And having already defeated Chelsea and United this season, Mascherano sees no reason why they can’t complete an impressive treble on Sunday afternoon.

The Argentina international said: “We know it is going to be a very difficult game, but we are going there confident we can show our quality and win.

“We have beaten Chelsea and Manchester United this season, but we have to remember Arsenal have done the same.

“I think they play much better against the top teams and so we know it will be a hard match. But if we play our football and use our heads then we can win the game.

“Arsenal have some great players and a great squad so if they have injuries then other players can come in and do the job.

“I think Cesc Fabregas is one of the best in his position in the game and we are going to have to take care with him.

“If we want to beat them then we will need to be 100% concentrated all the way through.”

Argentina international midfielder Mascherano added: “I don’t think we should be thinking about the league table – the most important thing is just to win our games and then maybe look at the other contenders and hope they drop points.

“It’s not very good if we drop points as well – we need to think about ourselves and then see what the other teams are doing.”

Far from being downhearted following Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Hull last weekend, Mascherano was buoyed by the display of his side as they came from behind for the eighth time this season to take something from the match.

But he admits they can’t keep dropping points at Anfield and relying on their good away form to keep them on top of the pile.

He said: “We had chances to score more goals against Hull but just couldn’t do it.

“When you play well and have chances to win then you have to be disappointed with a draw.

“We started the game well and then were 2-0 down, but the team again showed great character to come back.

“It’s important for us to know that even if we go behind in games then we have the quality to come back.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool have been handed a major fitness boost with defender Martin Skrtel returning to full training at Melwood.

The Slovakian international centre-back picked up a cruciate ligament injury in the 3-2 victory at Manchester City in October and has been pencilled in for a return to the first team squad when Bolton come to Anfield on Boxing Day.

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