Liverpool head into the three-week international break on a high after back-to-back victories under Andoni Iraola. A 3-1 home win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup and a gritty 1-0 Premier League success at Bournemouth maintained the Reds' unbeaten start to the season.
Despite home draws against Nottingham Forest and Fulham, there are reasons for encouragement as the Iraola era begins to take shape. With a pause in the schedule, the Liverpool fans' jury delivered their verdicts on the new head coach's first two months.
Defensive solidity praised
Rhys Buchanan is optimistic heading into the break, praising the new defensive additions for bringing composure and fight that was lacking last season. He highlighted Alexander Isak's important goals, including his celebration after breaking the deadlock at the Vitality Stadium, and noted the impact of Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.
Matthew Whitty is cautiously optimistic after five league games, noting the clearest change is at the back. After conceding twice against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, three straight league clean sheets have changed the feel of watching Liverpool. Jeremy Jacquet looks assured alongside Virgil van Dijk, while Ronald Araujo has strengthened the right side of defence.
Attack still finding its feet
Whitty acknowledged that going forward is a different story, with Fulham flat and Liverpool struggling to involve Isak at Bournemouth. The striker has four league goals and has completed three full league matches after failing to do so last season.
James Noble highlighted the balance between patience and high standards in Iraola's early reign. Unbeaten after seven games across three competitions, with nine points from 15 and three clean sheets in the last three Premier League matches, the start is solid. An opening Champions League victory and Carabao Cup progression add to the encouraging signs.
Looking ahead
Noble noted that durability and stability appear enhanced, with new arrivals and familiar faces contributing. With the next four league outings against the current top four, patience and high standards will remain key themes.
