Liverpool welcome the reigning Premier League champions Arsenal to Anfield this Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm GMT. Ahead of this highly anticipated encounter, here is a closer look at the key statistics, historical records and individual milestones surrounding the fixture.
Liverpool's Strong Record Against Reigning Champions
Liverpool have proved difficult opponents for defending Premier League champions in recent years. They have suffered just one defeat in their last eight league meetings against reigning title holders, recording three wins and four draws. That sole loss came in April 2023, when Manchester City secured a 4-1 victory.
Anfield has been an especially difficult venue for reigning champions, with Liverpool unbeaten at home in such fixtures since losing to Manchester United in December 2007.
There is also a notable piece of history involving Arsenal. The previous time these sides met at Anfield with the Gunners arriving as defending champions, Liverpool claimed a 2-1 victory thanks to Neil Mellor's dramatic 90th-minute winner.
Ryan Gravenberch could also reach a personal milestone on Sunday, potentially making his 150th appearance for Liverpool across all competitions.
Anfield: A Difficult Destination for Arsenal
Arsenal's recent record on Merseyside makes for uncomfortable reading. The Gunners have failed to win any of their last 13 Premier League away games against Liverpool, drawing five and losing eight. Their most recent league victory at Anfield came in the 2012-13 season, when they won 2-0.
Liverpool could extend that remarkable home record to 14 consecutive league matches without defeat against Arsenal, which would establish a new club record.
Among Premier League grounds Arsenal have visited more than 10 times, Anfield is where they have their lowest winning percentage. They have won just six of 34 league visits, giving them a win rate of 18%.
The fixture has also traditionally delivered plenty of goals. Between January 2016 and May 2025, all 19 Premier League meetings between the clubs featured at least two goals, with 78 scored in total – an average of 4.1 per game.
However, last season produced a dramatic change in that trend, with just one goal scored across their two league encounters. Liverpool were also the only team to prevent Arsenal from finding the net in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
Set-pieces could once again prove decisive. Three of Liverpool's last five Premier League goals against Arsenal have originated from dead-ball situations: one corner, one direct free-kick and one throw-in.
Another encouraging statistic for the home supporters concerns the date itself. Liverpool have won each of their last nine matches played at Anfield on November 1.
Isak Looking to Continue His Scoring Form
Alexander Isak has been particularly influential in front of goal recently. The striker has scored six times in his last six Premier League appearances, accounting for two-thirds of Liverpool's total goals during that period.
He also boasts the best minutes-per-goal ratio among players who have scored under Andoni Iraola during the coach's career in Europe's so-called top five leagues.
Arsenal will therefore have reason to keep a close eye on him, especially considering Isak has found the net in two of his last three appearances against the Gunners across all competitions.
Arsenal's Defensive Numbers Stand Out
Despite Liverpool's impressive home record, Arsenal arrive with some outstanding defensive statistics of their own.
The Gunners currently share the Premier League lead for clean sheets in the 2026-27 season, with five. They have also faced fewer shots on target than any other side (24), conceded the lowest expected goals figure (6.2) and allowed the fewest big chances (11).
Their defensive consistency has been particularly impressive throughout 2026. Arsenal have recorded clean sheets in 56% of their league matches this calendar year, keeping 15 in 27 games.
Only two previous calendar years have produced better clean-sheet percentages in the club's history: 1998, when they managed 23 in 38 matches (61%), and 1903, with 19 in 32 games (59%).
Rice and Odegaard Leading the Creative Charts
Arsenal's influence in midfield is reflected in their passing statistics.
Declan Rice has completed 93 line-breaking passes in the final third this Premier League season, while Martin Odegaard has registered 89. No other player in the competition has recorded more than either of the two Arsenal midfielders.
Their ability to break through opposition defensive lines could be a significant factor when Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.