Liverpool have remained unbeaten under the leadership of Andoni Iraola, securing nine wins and three draws across 13 matches in all competitions. This impressive run has generated a renewed sense of optimism at Anfield, which will be put to the test when reigning Premier League champions Arsenal visit on Sunday at 16:30 GMT. The Gunners face a difficult task, having not secured a victory at this venue since 2012. They will sense an opportunity to deliver a statement to the rest of the Premier League, facing Arsenal at the end of a week in which the Gunners were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Fleetwood. Either way, the game will offer an early indication of Liverpool ‘s progress under the Basque boss. According to it’s true that [when I came], I didn’t have a lot of experience [coaching two games a week], but I had a lot as a player of when you arrive back at 3am in the morning and so on,”, Iraola. But you do a lot of the job with the analysts, in the video room with the board and without spending the legs but I think our players are very used to it so a lot of the work is done, it’s different to managing.
Mikel Arteta, who was a player for Arsenal during that final win in 2012, now leads his side as a title-winning manager aiming to break the long-standing dry spell. For Liverpool, the match represents an opportunity to narrow the gap at the top of the table; a win would pull them within three points of the leaders, while a defeat could see the deficit grow to nine points. In recent years – whenever this fixture comes around – it is well-documented that Mikel Arteta was playing for the Gunners that day. Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool are the biggest title challengers to Arsenal,, external though, speaking on Friday, Iraola insisted it was too early to look at the table. There is more to come from the approach and Iraola insisted “there has to be another level” after arriving late to Friday’s news conference because training overran. It’s more a matter of getting the decisions right, in terms of loading and freshening the legs.
The momentum behind Liverpool is undeniable, having won five consecutive matches since their sole loss of the season against Manchester City on 11 October. This resurgence has been bolstered by a stronger connection between the team and the supporters, who have experienced a shift from last season’s sluggish atmosphere to an electric, supportive environment during recent victories against Villarreal and Brighton. For vast parts of last season, Anfield lost its fear factor and watching Liverpool became a turgid experience. The connection between the fanbase and the side seems to have grown again, in the past fortnight.
Iraola acknowledges the home advantage, stating that the unique atmosphere created at Anfield provides a significant edge over other teams. Beyond the crowd support, the manager’s tactical adjustments have been central to this growth. Iraola has relied heavily on squad rotation, making at least three changes to his starting XI in nine consecutive fixtures. This strategy has helped manage the physical load of a dense schedule, an area where the manager admits he has drawn on his own experiences as a professional player.
While Iraola’s philosophy prioritizes controlling goal-scoring opportunities rather than simple ball possession, his team has shown flexibility. Iraola is a believer that possession itself is not overly important but he wants his team to produce the better chances.
For instance, in a 2-0 win over Brighton, Liverpool held only 35.6% of possession but effectively utilized a more direct approach.
Statistical data reveals a shift from last season: the side is averaging 24.9 long balls per game compared to 21 previously.
Furthermore, they have increased their high-pressing frequency to 165.9 per game and average 128.3 sprints, even while covering slightly less total distance on the pitch. Compared to 160.1) and sprints (128.3 per game, compared to 123.2), Iraola’s side are doing more in comparison to last season but they are actually cover, in terms of high pressures in the opposition half (165.9 per game. Compared to 160.1) and sprints (128.3 per game, compared to 123.2), Iraola’s side are doing more in comparison to last season but they are actually covering marginally less distance (111.1 km per game, compared to 111.7km), in terms of high pressures in the opposition half (165.9 per game.
Captain Virgil van Dijk has noted the change in playing style, describing it as an intense, sometimes chaotic, risk-reward system. He explained that while the high press can occasionally leave the defense vulnerable, the team is working diligently to balance that aggression with stability. The squad is also seeing significant contributions from a mix of marquee signings like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Bradley Barcola, alongside improvements from established players like Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister. According to the ‘intensity’ word has been, So many times, sometimes a bit of chaos and there is this risk-reward that’s going on now as well,” he said.
The tactical integration also extends to younger talents, with Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet making quick impacts, and Iraola showing increased confidence in emerging players such as Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas, and James McConnell. At the back, Ronald Araujo is already a fan favourite and Jeremy Jacquet has seamlessly settled into the Premier League.
Despite the positive results, the manager remains focused on continuous development, emphasizing that his squad must reach another level as the season progresses.
He insists that it is too early to focus on the league table, choosing instead to focus on the high standard of performance needed to compete at the top level.
