Are Liverpool in a title challenge? Andoni Iraola reveals stance before Arsenal test

Iraola cautious on title talk ahead of Arsenal clash despite Liverpool's four-game winning run; Szoboszlai may return.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has played down suggestions his side are genuine title contenders, even if they beat Arsenal on Sunday. The Reds have won four consecutive games and progressed past Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, prompting former defender Jamie Carragher to suggest they could become the champions' closest challengers given Manchester City's struggles this season.

Iraola, however, remains cautious. "It's still very early in the season," he said. "It's still October, take one game at a time. The first reference is normally when we have played against each other once, halfway through the season, and then you can start looking at the standings." He added that Liverpool need to "improve, keep getting better."

The Reds could be boosted by the return of midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been sidelined with injury. Though his comeback against Brentford lasted only 31 minutes, Iraola suggested there is a chance he will be available for the Arsenal fixture.