Andoni Iraola's Liverpool are flying under the radar this season, quietly building momentum while other Premier League clubs dominate the headlines for crisis-related reasons. With seven wins in nine and just one defeat, the Reds are steadily improving under their new head coach, who was appointed on a two-year deal in June.
While Manchester United face internal turmoil, Arsenal defend job cuts, and Manchester City appeal a guilty verdict on 114 Premier League charges, Liverpool have been going about their business with minimal fuss. Iraola's side have won three straight games, scoring 12 goals, and welcome high-flying Brighton to Anfield on Sunday.
Quiet Progress Amid Premier League Chaos
The Premier League's weekly crisis narrative has centred on Manchester United, with Bruno Fernandes openly questioning Michael Carrick's approach after a 4-1 defeat to Como. Carrick has hinted that players are not putting in enough effort, following Lisandro Martinez's criticism of the club's sporting operation.
At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta defended cutting 60 jobs, saying the club needed to "make decisions to place people in the right positions and continue to invest in order to achieve our objectives." Meanwhile, Manchester City are appealing an independent commission's finding of guilt over a nine-year period of cheating, a situation that continues to cast a shadow over the sport.
Liverpool's Defensive Improvement
Despite a midfield lacking depth and right-back issues, with Ronald Araujo filling in, Liverpool have shown defensive resilience. They have conceded just one goal with 11 men on the pitch since August, and three of their eight goals conceded came after Ryan Gravenberch's red card against City.
Data shows Liverpool have conceded the third-lowest expected goals (8.3) in the division and rank fourth for fewest big chances given up (15). Centre-half Jeremy Jacquet has formed an impressive partnership with club captain Virgil van Dijk, contributing to a miserly quality that few predicted given Iraola's reputation for high-pressing, hard-running football.
Green Shoots of Positivity
Eleven games into Iraola's tenure, there are clear signs of progress. Three straight Champions League victories have put Liverpool well on course for knockout qualification, and they host Chelsea next week in the Carabao Cup fifth round. Florian Wirtz has enjoyed an excellent week, Bradley Barcola is scoring and assisting, and Isak, with five goals in six league appearances, is showing why he cost a British-record £125m from Newcastle United 13 months ago.
Liverpool sit fifth, the same position they finished last season, but the direction of travel is positive. Victory over Brighton, a side who have looked as good as anyone bar City this term, would further reinforce that improvement. There is seemingly no imminent danger of becoming the Premier League's crisis club. Not this week, at least.
