Liverpool v Arsenal: Arsene Wenger still hurt by 5-1 defeat
Last updated on .From the section Football
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he and his team are still hurting from the 5-1 Premier League defeat against Liverpool at Anfield in February.
Reds defender Martin Skrtel netted twice before goals from Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge left the Gunners 4-0 behind after only 20 minutes.
Sterling put Liverpool 5-0 ahead, with Mikel Arteta scoring a consolation.
"Liverpool scored over 100 league goals last season. Every defeat is a scar on your heart," said Wenger.
"They started off the blocks well and we were too late to get into the game.
"But we have good memories against Liverpool as well. We lost against them, but a week later we won 2-1 in the FA Cup."
England winger Sterling, 20, scored twice in this fixture last season and has netted 10 times in all competitions in 2014-15.
"I rate him highly," Wenger said. "Everybody speaks about Luis Suarez last year, but let's not forget Daniel Sturridge and Sterling are very influential.
"Sterling is one of the great players in England."
Liverpool play Arsenal on Sunday (16:00 GMT), but Wenger's side have five more points with Chile forward Alexis Sanchez scoring 11 league goals for the Gunners since a £30m move from Barcelona.
The Arsenal boss believes Sanchez is similar to Uruguayan Suarez, who moved from Liverpool to Barcelona in a £75m deal after scoring 31 times for Brendan Rodgers' team in 2013-14.
"They are both South Americans, they are provoking players who go with the ball and very determined," added Wenger. "They have plenty of similar attitudes.
"Sanchez has settled very quickly and looks like he is made for the English game."