Szczesny - I’m a big fan of Sterling

Wojciech Szczesny has revealed he is a “big fan” of Raheem Sterling ahead of Sunday’s clash at Anfield.

Sterling beat the Poland goalkeeper twice when Arsenal last travelled to Liverpool as the home side ran out 5-1 winners.

Liverpool have struggled to replicate last season’s form but Sterling has continued to impress since Luis Suarez’s departure with three goals and four assists.

“Sterling is a great player,” Szczesny said. “He’s one of the big English talents to have come through in the last few years. I’m a big fan of Raheem’s - he’s very sharp and he’s very strong as well.

“He scores goals, he gets assists and he’s only 20 years of age. He’s doing an amazing job for the club and for the country as well so I’m a big fan of his.”

Sunday’s game is the first of four matches in quick succession for Arsenal and Szczesny believes it is the perfect opportunity for the Gunners to get back into the top four.

“We realise how important it is to get results over the Christmas period because you play every two or three days and teams around you in the table drop points,” the goalkeeper explained.

“If you remain strong and you get 12 points out of 12, you put yourself in a very good position at the halfway point of the season, and that gives you a good buzz to push on and really challenge.

“We’ve done that in the last couple of seasons and hopefully we’ll be able to do that again.”