Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Jan Molby Tells Liverpool: 'Beat Arsenal And Third Place Is Yours'

Jan Molby believes a Liverpool win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this week would put the Reds into the driving seat for third place, and at the same time hand a severe blow to the Gunners' own ambitions.

The Danish midfielder, who won a clutch of trophies with Liverpool in the 1980's, said Rafa Benitez's men head to North London on Wednesday confident of extending their unbeaten Premier League run to eight games, and can record their first away victory over the Gunners since a Titi Camara-inspired success in 2000.

Molby, 46, said: "I think they can go to Arsenal full of confidence. The results Liverpool have had mean they can feel they have a good chance against any team, but I think it is a good time to play Arsenal. I think Arsenal are doubting themselves at the moment after their own recent run."

The Gunners are without a win in three Premier League games, and have suffered heavy defeats to both Manchester United and Chelsea in recent weeks. From being billed as potential title challengers just a month ago, Arsenal now sit nine points below leaders Chelsea, having scored just once in their past three fixtures.

A win for Liverpool at the Emirates on Wednesday night would reduce the gap between the two clubs to just two points, and Molby believes the psychological impact that a Reds victory would have could prove crucial.

"To win at Arsenal is always a big ask," he said, "But if Liverpool were to win then the gap is only two points, and it would be interesting to see how Arsenal would respond if that were to happen. Could they react? Would they crumble?"

Molby has been impressed by Liverpool's recent revival, which continued with a gutsy, ten-man victory over Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield on Saturday, and attributes their run of seven games without loss to two things - fighting spirit and defensive solidity.

"Liverpool are clawing their way back into form," he added, "The football is not sensational - even against Everton - but they have found some heart and some fight, and that was perhaps lacking previously."

"The defensive side is back to what it used to be - which is spot on - and that really helps. If you are not conceding goals then you are always in with a chance, and Liverpool are not conceding goals at the moment."

Molby also reserved special praise for Dirk Kuyt, whose match-winning goal against Everton was his 50th for the club.

"I've always been a fan of Dirk," he said, "He's had a bit of a bad time, but now he is doing what he does best.

"He is all about energy and getting into the box, producing the goods and scoring goals, and Liverpool are all the better for it."

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