Arsenal vs Liverpool:Brendan Rodgers Key Comments from Pre-Match Presser

Liverpool travel to Arsenal on Monday looking to kick off the 2015/16 Premier League with three wins out of three, but they may have to do so without skipper Jordan Henderson.

The Englishman limped off in the 1-0 victory over Bournemouth on Monday night with a niggling foot injury, and manager Brendan Rodgers revealed in a press conference on Saturday that he’s monitoring his captain’s situation—per James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

That victory over Eddie Howe’s newly promoted Cherries came in controversial fashion, as Christian Benteke’s first-half strike was wrongly called onside.

Rodgers was always going to be asked for his tuppenceworth on the matter and responded by saying he was impressed with the build-up to the goal and that he believes the officials got it right—via Pearce:

The Reds will be hoping to leave nothing to chance against Arsenal on Monday, although Rodgers was quick to admit his side may not enjoy large spells with the ball.

Having done his homework, the Liverpool boss said that possession isn’t the all-important stat against the Gunners—it’s taking your chances and staying resolute—as Pearce reported:

Arsenal have plenty to prove to the Emirates faithful after their stuttering 2-0 loss to West Ham United on the opening day, and Liverpool may well feel Arsene Wenger’s wrath.

However, Rodgers feels that staying organised will give his side every chance of taking three points back to Merseyside, suggesting he wants to see more of the same from the past two matches—per Pearce

The Reds manager also confirmed to reporters there’s no concrete transfer news coming out of Melwood, although a few players may be shipped out on loan—via Pearce

That could well include the misfiring Mario Balotelli, who has reportedly agreed to a season-long loan with Lazio, according to TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t James Whaling of the Daily Mirror).

So, Benteke will once again lead the line, with James Milner set to take the armband likely alongside Emre Can in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield.

The latter duo will be where the game against Arsenal is won or lost for the Reds, as keeping the Gunners’ flair players quiet is the perfect recipe for success.

Liverpool haven’t enjoyed recent trips to Arsenal, going down 4-1 back in April, but they’ll fancy their chances this time around.

Rodgers’ organised, disciplined unit has shown how resilient they can be already this term, and if they can take their chances when they come around, Liverpool could well be sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League.