Andoni Iraola forced to copy Arsenal but long-term Liverpool plan unclear after agent claim

Iraola has adopted Arsenal's defensive approach, deploying centre-back Araujo at right-back; Liverpool have conceded just four goals in six games since the tactic began.

Liverpool have adopted Arsenal's defensive blueprint this season, deploying Ronald Araujo—a natural centre-back—at right-back to shore up their defence. The strategy has paid dividends: after back-to-back 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, the Reds have conceded just four goals in their next six games, with three coming after they were reduced to ten men against Manchester City.

Manager Andoni Iraola acknowledged the tactical shift in his pre-match comments ahead of facing Arsenal. "It definitely helps having a centre-back at right-back when we talk about defending set-pieces," he said. "It helps a bit with the height and the physicality of the team." However, Iraola also noted the trade-off: "Offensively we cannot demand of Ronald the same thing of other full-backs and what they give us."

Araujo has outperformed Jeremie Frimpong to earn the starting role, though Iraola's hand has been partly forced by injuries—Frimpong is sidelined with a muscle injury and Conor Bradley remains a long-term absentee. While the defensive solidity mirrors Arsenal's approach, which has produced the Premier League's best defence for three consecutive seasons, Iraola's comments suggest the tactic may contradict Liverpool's traditional attacking identity under the new manager.