Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has called for calm amid growing optimism, insisting that autumn is far too early to judge any team’s true prospects.

Iraola stressed that league positions carry little weight at this stage of the campaign, advising against drawing firm conclusions before every side has faced one another.

Liverpool are on a five-game winning run in all competitions, a sure sign of their progress as they adapt to the methods of former Bournemouth manager Iraola in his first season on Merseyside since replacing the sacked Arne Slot.

Acknowledging the rising expectations and lively atmosphere among the fanbase, Iraola welcomed the supporters’ enthusiasm without letting it distract from squad preparation.

“It is still October. We have to take one game at a time and I always say the reference is more or less when we’ve played against each other once, so halfway through the season. That’s when you can start to look at the standings.

“Right now, we are in a position where we need to improve and keep getting better.”

“For fans, it is good if they have expectations or they think we can win.

“We know Arsenal and how good they are,” Iraola said. “They have very good players, working a lot in synchronicity and we have to be ready for that challenge.

“It’s going to be a demanding game, but we also trust our players, trust ourselves and in the good atmosphere we will for sure have on Sunday. I hope we will be at a level to win this game.”

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