Liverpool host reigning Premier League champions Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday (16:30 GMT), looking to extend a dominant home streak that stretches back to 2012, when Mikel Arteta featured as a player for the Gunners. Under Basque manager Andoni Iraola, the Reds have hit their stride, claiming nine wins and three draws from 13 matches in all competitions. Since suffering their sole defeat this season against Manchester City on 11 October, Liverpool have won five consecutive games, matching a winning run not seen since the beginning of last season under Arne Slot.
The resurgence has re-energised Anfield following last term's flat atmosphere, spurred by a comeback victory against Villarreal, a 2-0 league win over Brighton, and a Carabao Cup penalty shootout triumph over Chelsea. Iraola highlighted the ground's special environment as a major advantage while continuing to integrate new personnel. Big-money additions Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola, and Florian Wirtz are making positive strides, while Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister have shown notable improvement from last year. At the back, Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet have settled quickly, complemented by Iraola's growing trust in academy prospects Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas, and James McConnell.
To navigate a demanding schedule of two games a week, Iraola has rotated three or more players in nine straight matches while instituting a direct, aggressive identity. Liverpool held only 35.6% possession in their victory against Brighton, aligning with Iraola's philosophy that controlling chances matters more than possessing the ball. The Reds now average 24.9 long balls, 165.9 high pressures in the opposition half, and 128.3 sprints per league match—all increases from last season, despite total running distance dipping slightly to 111.1km. Captain Virgil van Dijk noted that while this high-intensity, chaotic pressing involves risk, the squad is steadily working to master the balance.
Sunday's encounter provides an early barometer of Liverpool's trajectory, with former defender Jamie Carragher viewing them as Arsenal's primary title rivals, even though Iraola insisted on Friday that it remains too early to consult the table. With Mikel Arteta's side reeling from a Carabao Cup elimination against League Two Fleetwood, Liverpool can slash the gap to the summit to three points with a win, whereas defeat would leave them nine points adrift after nine games. Iraola has demanded "another level" from his squad, and reaching it against the champions would firmly underline their title credentials.