Glowing tribute from the Arsenal boss…
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has lauded the quality and career of Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard ahead of our game with the Gunners this weekend.
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The captain’s suspension – picked up against Manchester United – means he will miss out on a last ever trip to the Emirates this weekend and final appearance against an Arsene Wenger side before he exits Liverpool this summer and heads to the MLS.
“Gerrard is one of the best players we have faced. He is a huge player and shown a great loyalty to Liverpool,” said Wenger in his press conference, reports the Daily Mirror.
“When Liverpool were in trouble everyone looked towards him and nine times out of 10 he got them out of it.
“He is a dream midfielder. He had all the qualities you need to play in midfield.”
Wenger added that he admired Gerrard’s loyalty to Liverpool and for choosing to stay at the club for the entirety of his career despite a number of offers and opportunities to play for other top European clubs.
Wenger on Gerrard: “A huge player. What I like a lot is loyalty he showed. Had calibre to go anywhere. I respect that.” *cough*
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) April 2, 2015
Gerrard’s absence on Saturday – and for the next two games – couldn’t come at a more crucial time in our season as our top-four hopes hang by a thread.
A victory at Arsenal would propel us right back into the mix after that disappointing defeat to United but it will be that much tougher given we will definitely be without both the skipper and Martin Skrtel – whilst there are doubts over the fitness of Sturridge following a hip injury.
A win at the Emirates would see us close the gap to the Gunners in third place to just three points but conversely, a loss would make it an improbable looking nine points to overturn in just seven games.
Let’s not understate this; we HAVE to win on Saturday.