EXCLUSIVE: Jan Molby Tells Liverpool: 'Beat Arsenal And Third Place Is Yours'

Former Reds ace says Emirates win could trigger Gunners collapse....

By Neil Jones

Jan Molby
Jan Molby believes a Liverpool win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this week would put the Reds into the driving seat for third place, and at the same time hand a severe blow to the Gunners' own ambitions.

The Danish midfielder, who won a clutch of trophies with Liverpool in the 1980's, said Rafa Benitez's men head to North London on Wednesday confident of extending their unbeaten Premier League run to eight games, and can record their first away victory over the Gunners since a Titi Camara-inspired success in 2000.

Molby, 46, said: "I think they can go to Arsenal full of confidence. The results Liverpool have had mean they can feel they have a good chance against any team, but I think it is a good time to play Arsenal. I think Arsenal are doubting themselves at the moment after their own recent run."

The Gunners are without a win in three Premier League games, and have suffered heavy defeats to both Manchester United and Chelsea in recent weeks. From being billed as potential title challengers just a month ago, Arsenal now sit nine points below leaders Chelsea, having scored just once in their past three fixtures.

A win for Liverpool at the Emirates on Wednesday night would reduce the gap between the two clubs to just two points, and Molby believes the psychological impact that a Reds victory would have could prove crucial.

"To win at Arsenal is always a big ask," he said, "But if Liverpool were to win then the gap is only two points, and it would be interesting to see how Arsenal would respond if that were to happen. Could they react? Would they crumble?"

Molby has been impressed by Liverpool's recent revival, which continued with a gutsy, ten-man victory over Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield on Saturday, and attributes their run of seven games without loss to two things - fighting spirit and defensive solidity.

"Liverpool are clawing their way back into form," he added, "The football is not sensational - even against Everton - but they have found some heart and some fight, and that was perhaps lacking previously."

"The defensive side is back to what it used to be - which is spot on - and that really helps. If you are not conceding goals then you are always in with a chance, and Liverpool are not conceding goals at the moment."

Molby also reserved special praise for Dirk Kuyt, whose match-winning goal against Everton was his 50th for the club.

"I've always been a fan of Dirk," he said, "He's had a bit of a bad time, but now he is doing what he does best.

"He is all about energy and getting into the box, producing the goods and scoring goals, and Liverpool are all the better for it."
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Hosted by Stephen Crawford & Adam Scime
2/15/12
And with that, we're going to call it a night, folks.

We've had two tremendous matches today, so lets hope the intensity keeps up in the next clashes!

Until next time, this is LIVE commentator Stephen Crawford signing off.

From everyone here at Goal.com, thanks for joining us!

2/15/12
All this focus on the Arsenal and Milan game should not take away from another cracker earlier tonight between Zenit and Benfica. The Russians came from a goal down to lead 2-1 in the closing minutes before Oscar Cardozo levelled things for Benfica, but it wasn't over there as Roman Shirokov won the game for Zenit in the 88th minute.

Here's the thoughts of Benfica coach Jorge Jesus, who felt his side deserved a point from the game.
2/15/12
Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny bemoaned his side's luck tonight but refused to give up. Here's some of his quotes:

"They were the better team on the night and that's the story of the day.

"We have to keep fighting, pick ourselves up, get the confidence back and challenge in the other competitions and in the second leg of this tie too.

"They punished us on every occasion; they scored some quality goals and they deserved to win."

Full story HERE


2/15/12
Another Milan player who was willing to share his thoughts after the match was Mark van Bommel, who has urged caution ahead of the second leg in London.

“The score made it look like it was an easy game, but it certainly wasn't.

(Strange... it looked pretty easy from where I was sitting, but hey.)

“I do not think it's over yet. I remember a clash between Milan and Deportivo la Coruna when Milan was also ahead by four goals, and in the end Deportivo eliminated Milan.

“I went into the Arsenal dressing room after the match to speak to Robin van Persie. I had agreed with him to swap shirts – my sons are big fans of his and he brought two for them. They will be delighted.


Van Bommel went on to talk about a possible move to PSV in the future, but was quick to point out his terms for the move.

“I've spoken with PSV, but we don't have an agreement yet. The club has to decide what they want.

“If Louis van Gaal turns out to be the new coach, I won't go.”


2/15/12
Next up is the Milan maestro Clarence Seedorf. He only managed 12 minutes on the pitch, but watching from the sidelines he was delighted at how his team mates had dominated the game.

"Tonight everything went in the right direction and we did a very good match. You don't start a match thinking to win 4-0, but at the end i think we deserved it coz we played very well."

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