Liverpool are in the ascendancy after winning five matches on the bounce since their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this month

Things are going well for Liverpool at the moment. The Reds have won five games on the trot - albeit one via a penalty shootout - and now have their eyes set on a Premier League title challenge.

Andoni Iraola's tenure began with a bit of a whimper and things looked bleak when they were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City earlier this month. But the response to that setback has been impressive.

In the weeks since, Liverpool have sealed victories over LASK, Brentford, Villarreal, Brighton and Chelsea, scoring 15 goals to boot. Their latest triumph - beating Chelsea on penalties on Wednesday - booked the club's place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Now though, attention turns back to the Premier League, with a blockbuster clash with champions Arsenal to come on Sunday. With that in mind, here are the latest Liverpool-related headlines.

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Carragher makes bold claim

Jamie Carragher has reversed his initial stance on Liverpool's Premier League title chances.

Earlier this season, the legendary Reds defender said it would take time for Iraola to turn his former team back into title contenders after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign under Arne Slot. But now, Carragher thinks Liverpool will be Arsenal's closest challengers.

"I count myself as one of those on a journey with Iraola from initial scepticism following his appointment towards cautious optimism having seen his vision starting to take shape," he wrote in his column for The Telegraph. "My fear at the start of the season was that Liverpool employed a manager who had never won a trophy, nor managed in European competition.

"These did not strike me as solid credentials for a job of such stature. It felt like a gamble to opt for someone who would have to learn how to manage a big club rather than arrive ready-made."

However, as the campaign has unfolded, Carragher has changed his position. "There are several reasons why there are those who believe Iraola's side might push Arsenal closer than anticipated," he explained. "First and foremost, the guilty verdict in the Manchester City case has altered the complexion of the season, and emboldened those who want to seize the initiative.

"Now we expect City to be punished soon. Given the nature and severity of their misdemeanours it is inconceivable they will be a title contender if that happens. The door is open for those in the chasing pack with the capacity and will to walk through it."

Araujo transfer update

Ronald Araujo's agent says it's "too early" to talk about the Uruguayan's future beyond this season but insists his client is happy at Anfield.

Araujo joined Liverpool on a season-long loan from Barcelona in August and has impressed fans with his performances. Many are now urging the club to sign the 27-year-old permanently but Araujo's agent, Edoardo Crnjar, has played down talk of a permanent transfer, at least for now.

"Ronald is performing well. We're very pleased with what he's bringing to the team, but it's still too early to talk about his future," he said.

"He's feeling great. He's happy to be playing for Liverpool and to be helping the club and his team-mates, just as he's said before."

Araujo has made over 200 appearances for Barcelona, but has never been a guaranteed starter at the Camp Nou. Since joining Liverpool, he has featured in all 13 of the club's opening matches, starting 11 of them.