Caoimhin Kelleher Sends Clear Liverpool Message to Arsenal and Makes Alisson Becker Admission
Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is set to start at the Emirates Stadium following Alisson Becker’s recent injury setback.
Kelleher expressed confidence in Liverpool’s readiness as they head to Arsenal on Sunday, aiming to extend their lead to seven points over Mikel Arteta’s squad.
He added that the knowledge of a longer run in the starting lineup, due to Alisson’s ongoing recovery, has provided him with a welcome boost in performance.
The trip to the Emirates presents one of the season’s toughest tests for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who have claimed top position in the Premier League standings, winning seven of their eight games thus far. Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer, faces this significant challenge early in his tenure.
Arsenal, who have outpaced Liverpool in the standings over the past two seasons, defeated Klopp’s side 3-1 in north London last February.
However, after a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth last week, Arsenal could potentially fall seven points behind Liverpool. Arsenal are also facing a lineup of injuries and suspensions, including the absence of William Saliba, who is suspended, and fitness concerns over Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori.
Kelleher stated that Liverpool’s squad is eager to tackle the challenge, noting that he feels more at ease knowing that Alisson’s absence will likely extend beyond the immediate future, allowing him to focus fully on his role in goal.
“Are we ready? Yes, of course,” Kelleher said after the midweek Champions League triumph at RB Leipzig. “I will always back the team. I know the quality we have.
“It is going to be a tough game, obviously, going to the Emirates, it is not easy at all but we will do our best to be as well prepared as we can and we will give it a good go.
“It is early days in the title race but it is still a massive game. We did not get the best result there last season and we will be looking to do better this time. It will be really tough and we need to be prepared.
“It has been a great start, obviously. It is down to a number of things. Definitely, the defensive form has been key. We have kept a lot of clean sheets and conceded less goals.
“On nights like this (the 1-0 win over Leipzig), it is not easy coming away from home but to dig in and defend well as a whole team, we are doing that brilliantly right now.”
Kelleher will line up behind the Premier League’s meanest back four at the Emirates, as Liverpool have conceded only three goals in their eight league matches this season and five in twelve games across all competitions.
The Ireland international adds: “Of course, I don’t want to be busy at all. The defenders are key to that this season. The whole team has really put in some shifts and there have been some big blocks and big tackles to get the clean sheets.
“Yes, definitely, it is easier [knowing you will stay in the team]. You get a rhythm of games as well. When you know you have game time coming up it is easier to prepare.
“I just need to keep playing well when I have the opportunity. It is nice to get a run of games and hopefully get some clean sheets. Now and again [I chat to Alisson].
“To be honest, we know each other quite well. He knows I do not need to say much as I know what to do but yes, sometimes, there are conversations.”
In other news, Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Lists Top Seven Most Difficult Away Games, Including Newcastle
