Arsenal travel to Anfield on Sunday (16:30 GMT) to face a Liverpool side transformed under Andoni Iraola. The Gunners haven’t won at Anfield since 2012 — and the hosts have won five straight since their only defeat of the season.
Liverpool have won nine and drawn three of their 13 games in all competitions under Iraola. A victory on Sunday would move the Reds to within three points of the reigning champions; a defeat would stretch the gap to nine. (Image Credits: BBC Sport)
Anfield Is Alive Again Under Iraola
For much of last season, Anfield lost its fear factor. That has changed. Liverpool were flawed against Villarreal but came from behind to win in an electric atmosphere, then beat high-flying Brighton in the Premier League and Chelsea on penalties in the Carabao Cup.
Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool are Arsenal’s biggest title challengers. Iraola himself played down the title talk on Friday, insisting it was too early to look at the table — but the feel-good factor around the club is undeniable.
Rotation and Intensity: The Iraola Method
Iraola has made three or more starting XI changes in nine consecutive games, embracing heavy rotation as he adapts to coaching two games a week. “Now, it’s more a matter of getting the decisions right, in terms of loading and freshening the legs,” he said.
The numbers show the shift: Liverpool are averaging more high pressures in the opposition half (165.9 per game vs 160.1 last season) and more sprints (128.3 vs 123.2), while going more direct — 24.9 long balls per Premier League game compared to 21 last term. Possession matters less to Iraola than chances: “Whoever controls the game is whoever controls the chances.”
New Signings Hit Their Stride
Big-money signings Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz are all trending upward, while Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister look much better than last season. At the back, Ronald Araujo is already a fan favourite and Jeremy Jacquet has settled seamlessly. Iraola’s growing trust in youngsters like Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas and James McConnell is another encouraging sign.
Arsenal arrive reeling from a Carabao Cup exit to League Two Fleetwood. With Anfield roaring again and Liverpool sensing blood, Sunday’s clash is a genuine early title-race statement game.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
