AUTHOR: MARK LAWRENSON
Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge aren't just the best forward partnership in the Premier League. They are arguably the most lethal attacking duo in Europe.
I'm confident in saying that because there aren't too many leading teams who still play with two up front.
Many play with just the one in attack, or with one player central in what is ostensibly a front three. There are even those who persist with the infamous 'false nine' with no striker whatsoever.
Football goes through phases in terms of tactics and formations, but I always maintain your way of playing is dictated by your players.
This is where Brendan Rodgers has been clever. He's looked at what players he has, and put three across the back to accommodate Suarez and Sturridge up top.
The partnership is still a fledgling one but their form is fantastic. Suarez may have got a hat-trick against West Brom but Sturridge's goal was as good as anything you will see this season.
It is rare for two strikers to be playing together and both be on top of their game. When strikers are on form, it is very difficult to handle them.
I'm sure one or two of the boys in the dressing room will be ribbing Suarez this week of his desire to sign for Arsenal during the summer, with Liverpool set to visit the Emirates.
I don't think it matters that Arsenal and Liverpool have not played many of the leading contenders so far this season. Everybody has to play the same teams, and you still need to beat them no matter when.
Until recently, Saturday's game could have been regarded as a clash between two teams battling for fourth place.
Now, though, I am not so sure.
I've been really impressed by Arsenal. The signing of Mathieu Flamini and Mezut Ozil has transformed their game, and the only real fly in the ointment is if Olivier Giroud is injured between now and January.
I cannot see Arsenal being out of the top four this season. They are in the ascendancy, you can sense it, Arsene Wenger knows it and the players know it. However, they still have the Achilles heel of their defence. They can tend to go gung-ho and they don't exactly circle the wagons. If you put Arsenal's defence under the cosh for any great period of time, they always give the impression they could buckle.
It means there is no point in Liverpool sitting back and defending. Everybody has seen the league is wide open to win, and teams are going away from home aiming for a victory.
Liverpool can get something from the game. They have great confidence, and because of Sturridge and Suarez they have the players who can occupy Arsenal's defence.
By the way, I thought Sir Alex Ferguson was a bit out of order picking on Jordan Henderson in his book. He was an easy target.
Ferguson was on about Henderson's gait and the way he runs, but so what? Does it matter?
And then there's what he said about Steven Gerrard. I just wonder whether Fergie is still a bit miffed that Gerrard showed no great inclination to sign for United. Not everybody wants to, you know.
Source: Daily Post
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