Liverpool vs. Arsenal: 5 Keys to a Gunners Victory

Arsenal have the opportunity to build on the momentum created by their rousing thrashing of North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, by beating Liverpool on Saturday. If they can, the Gunners will take vital points off one of their main rivals for the fourth spot.

Arsenal will need to show the same brand of determination and flair that served to brush Spurs aside, playing against a Liverpool team that's naturally buoyant after having secured the Carling Cup. Winning the midfield battle will be crucial, and the Gunners need another big game from the likes of Alex Song and Tomas Rosicky.

The highly controversial Luis Suarez poses Liverpool's biggest threat, and the often shaky Arsenal back line can't afford a single moment's lapse in concentration. If Laurent Koscielny and company can corral Suarez, Arsenal will stand a very good chance of earning the win.

Here are five keys to what would be a pivotal Arsenal victory at Anfield and one that could cement the top-four status of Arsene Wenger's team.

1. Attack Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson

The best thing Arsenal did against Spurs was directly targeting Scott Parker and attacking the midfielder with pace and subtle movement. The Gunners should do the same again to Liverpool's central pairing of Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson.

Both have been suspect at times this season, and Henderson, in particular, is often guilty of letting the game pass him by. Arsenal have the quickness and craft in midfield to overwhelm Liverpool in central areas.

It may not be as easy to do as the last time out, given the fact that—unlike Spurs—Liverpool are likely to pack the middle of the field. However, Arsenal trio Alex Song, Tomas Rosicky and the superb Mikel Arteta should have the energy and ingenuity to control the flow of the game and use the middle as Arsenal's best route to goal.

2. Man-Mark Luis Suarez with Laurent Koscielny

Arsenal should adopt an aggressive approach and man-mark Luis Suarez. The best man to try to subdue the speedy Uruguayan striker is Laurent Koscielny.

The Frenchman has the quickness, intelligence, anticipation and positional sense to try and counter the skills of Suarez and deny him space. A tricky ball player like Suarez is the type of forward more suited to Koscielny's best attributes, and the former FC Lorient standout will be pivotal to Arsenal's defensive efforts.

Thomas Vermaelen has appeared a little rash in recent games, and his aggression would be best served against the bullish Andy Carroll, should Liverpool opt to start both of their high-priced strikers.

Koscielny's more measured approach is the right one for a talent as mercurial as Suarez.

3. Isolate Robin van Persie Against Martin Skrtel

As much as possible, Robin van Persie should try to isolate himself against Martin Skrtel. The Slovakian central defender is an aggressive and enthusiastic player, but lacks the pace and instincts to handle the threat posed by van Persie.

The Dutchman's deft control and intelligent movement could prove too much for Skrtel, who can be guilty of making rash decisions. Van Persie has the quickness and flair to force Skrtel into serious trouble.

If van Persie can create some one-on-one opportunities to drag Skrtel out of the middle, he can use his skill to escape the lumbering defender and threaten Liverpool's goal.

2. Encourage Plenty of Central Runs from Wide Areas

Given Liverpool's lack of pace in central defense, Arsenal should flood the box with speedy and well-timed runs from wide areas. Theo Walcott showed against Spurs how devastating he can and should be when coming in from the right, and more of the same will be required at Anfield.

If runs are frequent from wide berths, then Robin van Persie can afford to drop a little deeper and join the midfield in creating a potent supply of through passes. This combination proved lethal against Spurs and will need to be again.

Walcott must provide a target for van Persie and Tomas Rosicky to aim for. If he regularly makes the run in between the full-back and central defender, the England international can expect to add to his scoring tally.

1. Move the Ball Quickly and Maximise the Advantage in Pace

Arsenal must move the ball quickly to make the most of their considerable advantage in terms of pace. The Gunners simply have greater pace all over the field than a Liverpool team that can often appear plodding.

In midfield, Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta and Alex Song should be too quick and active for the more strolling Adam. The front three has the speed to frighten Liverpool's labouring defense.

Arsenal need to pass the ball with plenty of speed and zip and be ruthless in using their pace to unsettle Liverpool.

Thoughts of Revenge Aside, a Win at Anfield Is Vital

Arsenal may have revenge on their minds, having failed to get the better of Liverpool in each of their last three league meetings. The Gunners have been subject to some painful misfortunes in their last two encounters with Kenny Dalglish's side.

Last April, Arsenal thought they had wrapped up a vital three points in the title race, courtesy of a late Robin van Persie penalty. In an astonishing turn of events, Arsene Wenger's team was denied the win by an even later penalty, converted by Dirk Kuyt in the 102nd minute.

At the start of this season, a makeshift Arsenal team was undone by two Liverpool goals, which the naked eye could be excused for viewing as offside. Liverpool's two-goal victory was an unjust reward for their defensive tactics on the day.

The Gunners must create their own luck at Anfield on Saturday. All three points would be a crucial contribution in Arsenal's quest to retain their top-four status. They would also put Wenger's team 10 points ahead of the Merseysiders.

It would set the team up well for their next home again against another rival for fourth place, Newcastle United. Finally, a win would put Arsenal well on their way to successfully navigating the most important three-game stretch in their Premier League season.