Iraola backs Liverpool to match Arsenal at Anfield as fans dream of title push

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola says his players believe they can handle Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, even as he played down talk of a title race.

A win would leave Liverpool three points behind Arsenal, who sit level on points with leaders Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

Speaking on Friday, Iraola said the mood among supporters had lifted after a run of five straight wins in all competitions, but he was not ready to read too much into the standings.

"It is still October. We have to take one game at a time," he said, adding that he prefers to judge a season once teams have met each other home and away, around the halfway mark.

Asked about fans who now fancy a title challenge, the Spaniard said it was good for them to have expectations and to believe the team can win.

Arsenal test

Arsenal, the reigning champions, drew level with City after a 2-0 win over Everton last weekend. They then suffered a shock League Cup exit on penalties to fourth-tier Fleetwood in midweek.

Iraola said he expects a demanding afternoon against a well-organised side with very good players, but insisted Liverpool trust their own squad and the Anfield atmosphere.

"I hope we will be at a level to win this game," he said.

He also cautioned that only two of Liverpool's five recent wins came in the league, meaning more victories are needed to recover ground in the table.

Iraola took over on Merseyside this season after Arne Slot was sacked, having previously managed Bournemouth.

For Nigerian fans, the match is one of the weekend's biggest draws, with Liverpool and Arsenal among the most followed English clubs in the country. Kick-off at Anfield is on Sunday.

What happens next

A Liverpool win tightens the gap at the top to three points. An Arsenal victory would keep them level with City and leave Liverpool further back. Either way, Iraola says his focus stays on steady improvement rather than the table.