ARSENAL vs LIVERPOOL: Caoimhin Kelleher is set to start between the sticks for the Reds as they bid to make an early statement in the Premier League title race at the Emirates on Sunday
Caoimhin Kelleher has warned Arsenal that Liverpool are a different animal defensively this season.
The Reds have conceded just three goals in their opening eight Premier League matches and bagged another clean sheet in Europe on Wednesday night in Leipzig.
Kelleher said ahead of today’s trip to north London: “It’s been a great start, obviously. It’s 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.
“It’s not easy coming away from home but we dug in against Leipzig and defended well as a whole team, we are doing that brilliantly right now. We’ve put in some shifts and there have been some big blocks and big tackles to get those clean sheets.”
The Republic of Ireland shot-stopper, who has guarded the Liverpool goal impressively in the absence of the injured Alisson, knows the stakes are high against the Gunners.
He added: “It’s early days in the title race but it’s 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. I will always back the team as I know the quality we have.
“It’s going to be a tough game, obviously, it’s never easy at the Emirates but we will do our best to be as well prepared as we can and we will give it a good go.”
Kelleher, who made five saves in midweek to earn Liverpool’s man of the match award, has taken confidence from the fact he’s in line for a string of starts – as opposed to the odd cup cameo.
However, he doesn’t feel the need to consult Alisson for advice as the 25-year-old is fully engrossed in the task at hand.
He concluded: “I don’t need to say much as I know what to do but yes, sometimes, there are conversations. I just need to keep playing well when I have the opportunity. It is nice to get a run of games, it’s easier to prepare.”
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