Andoni Iraola has given an honest answer to Jamie Carragher’s claim that Liverpool can challenge Arsenal for the title, insisting it is far too early to read anything into the table.
Carragher, writing in The Telegraph, argued that beating the champions at Anfield on Sunday would rubber-stamp Liverpool’s title credentials, with City’s guilty verdict over financial breaches opening the door for the chasing pack.
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Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Liverpool head coach said (via Metro UK):
“I think it is too early to start looking at the standings. It is about preparing ourselves for a very difficult game. We know Arsenal and how good they are. They have very good players, working a lot in synchronicity and we have to be ready for that challenge.”
He then added:
“It is still October. We have to take one game at a time and I always say the reference is more or less when we’ve played against each other once so halfway through the season. That’s when you can start to look at the standings. Right now, we are in a position where we need to improve and keep getting better.”
On the supporters’ expectations, he was just as measured.
“For fans, it is good if they have expectations or they think we can win. Normally that’s a good thing but if you ask me I think it is still very early in the season.”
The question is being raised due to the Reds’ stunning recent form. Since the 3-0 defeat by Manchester City, the Anfield club have beaten LASK, Brentford, Villarreal and Brighton and edged Chelsea on penalties in the Carabao Cup, scoring 15 goals. The Reds sit fourth on 15 points, six behind Arsenal.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Víctor Muñoz have “a chance” of featuring after hamstring and knee injuries, Iraola said.
Liverpool’s recent form against Arsenal ahead of their Sunday clash
Liverpool have had the better of this fixture lately. The sides drew 0-0 at the Emirates in January, Liverpool won the corresponding home game 1-0 in August 2025, and the meeting before that ended 2-2 at Anfield in May 2025.
Arsenal have not won a Premier League game at Anfield since 2012-13, a run of 13 visits containing five draws and eight defeats. They arrive second on 21 points from eight games, level with Manchester City on goal difference, with seven wins and a single loss, 3-0 at Brighton.
The Gunners were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Fleetwood Town on penalties in midweek.
Kick-off at Anfield on Sunday, November 1 is at 4:30 pm UK time. A win would take the Reds to within three points of the champions.
Edited by Vignesh Raja
