Iraola's Liverpool find rhythm and re-energised Anfield before Arsenal test
Liverpool host Arsenal on Sunday on a five-match winning run, with Andoni Iraola's rotation, pressing approach and a revived Anfield atmosphere under scrutiny.
Liverpool welcome reigning champions Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday (16:30 GMT) having won their past five matches in all competitions since their only defeat of the season, against Manchester City on 11 October. That sequence is their best since the start of last season under Arne Slot. Victory would leave them three points behind Arsenal after nine games; defeat would stretch the gap to nine.
Much of the focus is on Andoni Iraola, whose side have made three or more starting XI changes in nine consecutive games. The Basque coach admitted he had limited experience of managing two games a week but said his playing career taught him about recovery and that decisions now centre on loading and freshening legs. He added he intends to continue the rotation.
Iraola has also leaned into a more direct, high-pressing style. After the 2-0 win over Brighton, in which Liverpool had just 35.6% possession, he said the team that controls the chances controls the game. Liverpool are averaging more long balls, high pressures in the opposition half and sprints than last season, while covering marginally less distance. Captain Virgil van Dijk described the approach as a risk-reward intensity that remains a work in progress.
The Anfield atmosphere has improved, with Iraola calling the crowd a special advantage after the comeback win over Villarreal and subsequent victories against Brighton and on penalties over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. He highlighted the progress of big-money signings Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz, improved form from Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister, and the settling of Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet, as well as growing trust in youngsters Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas and James McConnell.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has said the Reds are Arsenal's biggest title challengers, but Iraola insisted it is too early to look at the table. Arsenal arrive after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Fleetwood, and have not won at Anfield since 2012. Iraola said there has to be another level from his side.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
