Andoni Iraola has dismissed Jamie Carragher's suggestion that Liverpool should be considered Arsenal's closest challengers in the Premier League title race, insisting it is too early to study the standings.
Liverpool have recovered from their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this month by winning five consecutive matches in all competitions. The Reds beat third-placed Brighton last weekend and now face defending champions Arsenal at Anfield, where a win could strengthen their title credentials.
Iraola plays down title talk
Writing in The Telegraph, Carragher argued that a victory over Arsenal would confirm Liverpool's title credentials, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City following their guilty verdict.
However, Iraola suggested it was too soon for such discussions. "I think it is too early to start looking at the standings," he said in his pre-match press conference. "It is about preparing ourselves for a very difficult game."
He added: "We know Arsenal and how good they are. They have very good players, working a lot in synchronicity and we have to be ready for that challenge."
Focus on improvement
Iraola stressed that his team still needs to improve, saying: "It is still October. We have to take one game at a time and I always say the reference is more or less when we've play against each other once so halfway through the season. That's when you can start to look at the standings."
He continued: "Right now, we are in a position where we need to improve and keep getting better."
On fan expectations, he said: "For fans, it is good if they have expectations or they think we can win. Normally that's a good thing but if you ask me if I think it is still very early in the season."
Injury boost for Liverpool
Liverpool hope to have Dominik Szoboszlai and Víctor Munoz available for Sunday's game as they recover from hamstring and knee injuries respectively.
"I think they have a chance," Iraola added. "But I don't know for sure if they will be involved or not. We still have two days, so I think they have a chance, yes."
