Liverpool fans should be confident heading into Sunday’s match against Arsenal, with the Reds looking to cut the gap between the sides to just three points.

Andoni Iraola has led his team to five consecutive wins across three different competitions, and after the Gunners were beaten by Fleetwood in midweek, there is a feeling that Liverpool could catch them cold again.

Iraola has the recipe to beat Arsenal

One of the most standout results of the Premier League season last year came when Bournemouth went to the Emirates and beat Arsenal 2-1 in April.

Though Arteta managed to rally his troops enough to bounce back and win the title, the match felt like one that could have stopped them in their tracks at the time.

It was one which also potentially tipped the scales towards Liverpool deciding to hire Iraola, with the 44-year-old showcasing all of his tactical acumen to get the better of the eventual champions on their own patch.

Interestingly, it was actually the second year in succession which Iraola had taken his team to the Emirates and come home with all three points. The Cherries also beat Arsenal 2-1 in the spring of 2025, as second-half goals from Dean Huijsen and Evanilson condemned Arteta to defeat.

That win completed a double for Bournemouth and Iraola over Arsenal, having already beaten them 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium in October 2024, in a game which bolstered Liverpool’s title charge.

They may have lost 3-2 to the Gunners in the home match last season, but Iraola has gotten the better of Arteta in two of their last three meetings. As a manager taking charge of a much smaller team up against a title challenger, that is mightily impressive.

Iraola did not fare well against Arsenal during his first season in charge on the South Coast, losing 3-0 and 4-0, but he has since found the right formula, and clearly knows how to set his teams up to make life difficult for the champions. Liverpool fans will hope he can tap into that at Anfield on Sunday.

Alexander Isak looks to continue Arsenal streak

Another positive for Liverpool supporters to cling to is the record of Alexander Isak against Sunday’s opposition.

The Swede has been in terrific form so far this season, and will be looking to score for a fourth consecutive Premier League match.

Though his strike-rate is improving for the Reds, one thing missing from Isak at Liverpool so far is his ability to score in the biggest matches. He is yet to find the net against any of Man City, Arsenal, Man United or Chelsea in a red shirt.

This was something he regularly did while playing for Newcastle, though, and Liverpool fans will be interested to note that the No. 9 has scored two goals in his last three appearances against Arsenal. A third on Sunday would be hugely welcome.