Sokratis Papastathopoulos believes Arsenal may find it easier to defend against Liverpool than Burnley after coming through a physical encounter against Sean Dyche’s side.

Arsenal beat Burnley 2-1 at the Emirates on Saturday to maintain their perfect start to the season, but they were made to work hard for the three points.

The visitors’ strikeforce of Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes proved to be a particular handful and their direct and physical approach caused problems.

Next up for Arsenal is the challenge of a trip to Anfield on Saturday to face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.

The Reds boast one of the most lethal forward lines in Europe thanks to Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, but defender Sokratis believes the Gunners may find it easier defending against that style of attack as opposed to Burnley’s direct approach.

“It is a different game. Maybe it is more easy, because you don’t have to fight a lot - but they also play football,” he said.

“If they are on good day and you are having a bad day, it is hard. In the end, we know that it is difficult and we respect Liverpool a lot. But I think the best [way] is to go and play our style of game. We will see what happens.”

Arsenal endured a miserable trip to Anfield last season as they lost 5-1. Sokratis, however, believes Saturday’s encounter will be different as the team have learned from that experience.

“But the 5-1 last season…it was not the game to take five goals - [there was] the penalty kicks, we made mistakes,” said the Greece international.

HIGHLIGHTS | Arsenal 2-1 Burnley | Premier League | 17th August 2019

“I think this year will be different, but we have to improve of course from the work we do with the coach and his staff.”

One of the reasons Sokratis is optimistic Arsenal can get a result at Anfield is the arrival of David Luiz from Chelsea.

The Brazilian joined on transfer deadline day from Chelsea for £8million, making his debut on Saturday against Burnley, and Sokratis believes he can form a strong partnership with him in the heart of defence.

“When I was in Dortmund I played with [Mats] Hummels, who has the same style as David,” he said.

“It was also a very good partnership and it is very good [now with Luiz]. It was his first game, it is important that we won and we can go from here.