Are Liverpool back? Andoni Iraola's evolving project now faces the ultimate test

Iraola's Liverpool face Arsenal on Sunday seeking to close the title gap; five straight wins have steadied the ship after a slow start.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola reflects on his side's transformation this season ahead of Sunday's clash with Arsenal, the defending Premier League champions. After trailing Arsenal by 25 points last season, Liverpool stumbled early this campaign with draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, but have now strung together five consecutive wins—though only two have come in the league.

Iraola acknowledges his team remain a work in progress but highlights encouraging signs: Alexander Isak has scored six goals in his last six top-flight games, while his four wingers have combined for eight goals and nine assists across all competitions. Liverpool have also tightened their set-piece defending after conceding regularly from corners last season, an area Iraola credits assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper for improving.

The match carries title implications. If Liverpool beat Arsenal and Manchester City suffer a points deduction as threatened, the gap could narrow to three points. Iraola, who helped Arsenal win the title last May when Bournemouth held City, now faces his boyhood friend Arteta as equals rather than underdogs. Despite his reluctance to discuss the title race, the narrative around Liverpool's revival suggests they are genuine contenders if Arsenal falter.