Arsenal put the finishing touches on their preparations ahead of Friday night showdown with Liverpool

  • Arsenal host Liverpool in the Premier League at the Emirates on Friday night 
  • The fifth-placed Gunners sit one point behind Liverpool in the Premier League
  • Arsene Wenger put his men through his paces at London Colney on Thursday 

Arsenal have undergone their last full training session ahead of Friday's mouthwatering clash with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

Jut one point separates the fifth-placed Gunners and their fourth-placed visitors in the Premier League table ahead of the mouthwatering showdown.

And Arsene Wenger put his men to work at the club's London Colney complex on Thursday morning as they bid to head into Christmas in the top four.

Mesut Ozil is closed down by Nacho Monreal during Friday's Arsenal training session 

Mesut Ozil is closed down by Nacho Monreal during Friday's Arsenal training session 

Manager Arsene Wenger and captain Per Mertesacker look on during the session

Manager Arsene Wenger and captain Per Mertesacker look on during the session

English midfielder Jack Wilshere (right) dribbles with the ball during a practice match

English midfielder Jack Wilshere (right) dribbles with the ball during a practice match

The team looked in good spirits as they engaged in a number of passing and shooting drills before taking part in a practice match on a grey and chilly morning.


They will be eager to erase the memories of their last meeting with the Reds, having received a 4-0 drubbing at Anfield back in August.  

Jurgen Klopp's men coming into the game on a good run of form, having gone undefeated in their last 12 games in all competitions, winning eight of those and scoring 37 goals in the process.

Wenger's troops, meanwhile, have looked a little flat in recent weeks, only finding the net three times in their last four outings.

And the Frenchman is eager for his team to find their best form and avenge the crushing defeat at Anfield earlier this term. 

Theo Walcott smiles as the team prepared for the visit of Liverpool on Friday evening

Theo Walcott smiles as the team prepared for the visit of Liverpool on Friday evening

Alexandre Lacazette goes to catch the ball during the session
Granit Xhaka looks on during training

Alexandre Lacazette (left) and Granit Xhaka (right)looked ready for the Premier League clash

Alex Iwobi (right) is closed down by French midfielder Francis Coquelin (left)

Alex Iwobi (right) is closed down by French midfielder Francis Coquelin (left)

'When you have such a long career as I have, you have some defeats unfortunately that hurt you for the rest of your life,' he said, reflecting on the previous meeting with Liverpool.

'I believe what is interesting in football is you always have a time to make up for it. When you can put things right, do it.

'So let's focus on what is in front of us and turn up on Friday night with a completely different performance. 

'The motivation is there. This squad has a good mentality and it is about us, to make sure we are on top of our game. We must play with pace and a determined attitude.' 

English striker Danny Welbeck unleashes an effort during a shooting drill on Thursday morning

English striker Danny Welbeck unleashes an effort during a shooting drill on Thursday morning