Andoni Iraola has played down suggestions that Liverpool could emerge as Arsenal’s closest challengers for the Premier League title, insisting that it is still too early to make predictions about the season’s outcome.

According to a report by Metro on Saturday, 31 October 2026, the Liverpool manager was responding to comments made by former Reds defender Jamie Carragher, who believes his former club could strengthen their title credentials with a victory over Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool have recovered from their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this month by winning five consecutive matches in all competitions. Their recent victories include an impressive result against third-placed Brighton last weekend.

The result has increased expectations around Liverpool ahead of their meeting with the defending champions, with Carragher suggesting that a victory over Mikel Arteta’s side could establish them as serious contenders for the Premier League crown.

However, Iraola is reluctant to get involved in the title discussion, stressing that his team must concentrate on improving their performances rather than focusing on the league standings.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Iraola said: "I think it is too early to start looking at the standings. It is about preparing ourselves for a very difficult game.

"We know Arsenal and how good they are. 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 level to win this game."

The Liverpool boss also explained that the middle of the season would provide a more appropriate opportunity to assess the title race.

"It is still October," he continued. "We have to take one game at a time and I always say the reference is more or less when we’ve play 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 wneed to improve and keep getting better."

Meanwhile, Liverpool could receive a double injury boost ahead of Sunday's encounter, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Víctor Munoz both in contention to return.

Iraola confirmed that the pair have a chance of featuring but admitted that their availability would depend on their recovery over the next two days.