Liverpool will welcome reigning Premier League champions Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm GMT, in what promises to be a highly anticipated encounter.
Ahead of the meeting, several historical records, team statistics and individual milestones provide an insight into what supporters can expect from the contest.
Liverpool’s Impressive Record Against Defending Champions
Liverpool have maintained a strong record against reigning Premier League champions in recent seasons, losing just once in their last eight league encounters against title holders. During that period, they have recorded three victories and four draws, with their only defeat coming in April 2023 when Manchester City defeated them 4-1.
Their record at Anfield is even more impressive, as the Reds have not lost a home league fixture against a defending champion since suffering defeat to Manchester United in December 2007.
Arsenal also feature in an interesting piece of history. The last time the Gunners visited Anfield as reigning champions, Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory through Neil Mellor’s dramatic 90th-minute winner.
Meanwhile, Ryan Gravenberch could achieve a personal landmark on Sunday, as the midfielder is potentially set to make his 150th appearance for Liverpool in all competitions.
Arsenal have struggled to secure victories at Anfield in recent Premier League seasons, going 13 consecutive away league matches against Liverpool without a win. The Gunners have drawn five and lost eight of those encounters, with their last league victory at the stadium coming in the 2012-13 campaign, when they recorded a 2-0 win.
Liverpool could extend that unbeaten home run to 14 consecutive league meetings, setting a new club record against Arsenal.
Among Premier League stadiums where Arsenal have played more than 10 league matches, Anfield represents their lowest winning percentage. They have managed just six victories in 34 visits, translating to an 18 per cent success rate.
The rivalry has also been associated with entertaining, high-scoring encounters. Between January 2016 and May 2025, all 19 Premier League meetings between the two sides produced at least two goals, with 78 goals scored at an average of 4.1 per match.
However, that trend changed last season, when only one goal was recorded across their two league meetings. Liverpool were also the only team to prevent Arsenal from scoring during the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
Set-pieces could also play an important role in Sunday’s encounter. Three of Liverpool’s last five Premier League goals against Arsenal have come from dead-ball situations, including a corner, a direct free-kick and a throw-in.
Another statistic that could encourage Liverpool supporters is their record on November 1. The Reds have won their last nine matches played at Anfield on that date.
Alexander Isak will also be one of the players to watch, having enjoyed an impressive run in front of goal.
The Swedish striker has scored six goals in his last six Premier League appearances, accounting for two-thirds of Liverpool’s total goals during that period.
He also holds the best minutes-per-goal ratio among players who have scored under Andoni Iraola throughout the manager’s career in Europe’s top five leagues.
Arsenal will need to be cautious around the forward, particularly as he has scored in two of his last three appearances against the Gunners across all competitions.
Despite Liverpool’s impressive home record, Arsenal will arrive at Anfield with some notable defensive numbers of their own.
The Gunners currently share the Premier League lead for clean sheets in the 2026-27 campaign, having recorded five so far.
They have also faced the fewest shots on target in the division, with 24, while conceding the lowest expected goals figure of 6.2 and allowing just 11 big chances.
Their defensive organisation has been particularly effective throughout 2026, with Arsenal keeping clean sheets in 56 per cent of their league matches this calendar year. They have recorded 15 shutouts in 27 games.
Only two calendar years in the club’s history have produced better clean-sheet percentages. In 1998, Arsenal recorded 23 clean sheets in 38 matches, representing 61 per cent, while their 1903 record stood at 19 clean sheets in 32 games, or 59 per cent.
Arsenal’s midfield strength is also reflected in their passing statistics, particularly the contributions of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Rice has completed 93 line-breaking passes in the final third of the Premier League this season, while Odegaard has registered 89.
No other player in the competition has surpassed either midfielder’s tally, highlighting their importance in progressing the ball and creating attacking opportunities.
Their ability to penetrate opposition defensive lines could prove crucial when Arsenal take on Liverpool at Anfield, with both midfielders expected to play important roles in determining the outcome of Sunday’s encounter.
