Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has emphasized caution regarding title ambitions despite his team’s recent five-game winning streak, ahead of their Premier League clash with Arsenal at Anfield on November 1. Speaking on October 30, Iraola insisted it was premature to frame Liverpool as serious contenders for the English top-flight crown, pointing to the need for steady progress and consistent performance over the course of the season.
Following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last month, Liverpool has registered victories across three competitions, including a penalty shootout win over Chelsea on October 28 that secured a place in the League Cup quarter-finals. Currently six points behind table-topping Arsenal, Iraola urged focus on gradual improvement. “It’s still October, take one game at a time,” he said. “The first reference is normally when we have played against each other once halfway through the season, and then you can start looking at the standings.”
Iraola acknowledged that while fans may entertain hopes of a title challenge, the priority remains enhancing the team’s performance. Liverpool’s recent momentum has been built on tactical adjustments since Iraola replaced Arne Slot as manager in June, with the squad adapting well to his style of play.
The upcoming fixture against Arsenal carries added significance as Iraola will face former youth team colleague and current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Despite a strong personal record against Arsenal during his managerial tenure at Bournemouth, Iraola downplayed past results, noting significant differences between those sides and the current Liverpool team. “It is a totally different team, different group of players, different moments,” he said. He highlighted the challenge of overcoming the reigning champions, who remain top of the league with only one loss this season, and stressed the importance of match details such as winning duels, aerial battles, and set pieces.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed optimism about the squad’s home form, which he said has reignited confidence among supporters following a disappointing title defence last season. Ahead of Chelsea, Liverpool secured home wins against Villarreal and Brighton & Hove Albion, contributing to a growing sense of belief at Anfield.
“I think the fans definitely like what they’re seeing,” van Dijk said after the League Cup victory. “When you miss that energy a little bit, getting it back is obviously very good. Results help massively.” He emphasized the team’s commitment to maintaining high performance levels every game. “We want to show that for the full 90 minutes, every game, home and away. It’s not the easiest thing to do, but we put a lot of work in behind the scenes.”
Liverpool could also see the return of key players Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz, who are recovering from hamstring and knee injuries respectively, ahead of the Arsenal match.