Jamie Carragher has reversed his initial stance on Liverpool's Premier League title chances under Andoni Iraola this season ahead of their game against Arsenal

Jamie Carragher has changed his original position on Liverpool's title prospects under Andoni Iraola, having initially cast doubt on whether the Spaniard could handle the transition to managing one of England's elite clubs. This follows ongoing speculation surrounding Manchester City's 115 financial rule breaches, with Carragher claiming it is 'inconceivable' that a substantial punishment wouldn't affect their ability to win the Premier League title.

Iraola joined Anfield in the summer after a remarkable three-year tenure at Bournemouth, where he garnered considerable acclaim for his achievements on the south coast. Nevertheless, with his Premier League credentials confined to a club beyond the established big six, questions remained about whether he could reproduce that form at Liverpool.

The 44-year-old has delivered four wins from his first eight Premier League fixtures, while Liverpool have also enjoyed a flawless start to their Champions League campaign, triumphing in all three matches to occupy third place in the table.

Carragher reckons that any substantial points deduction imposed on City could effectively eliminate them from the Premier League title race, potentially offering Liverpool a stronger chance to regain the trophy they secured under Arne Slot during the 2024/25 campaign.

Make sure you don't miss the best Liverpool coverage by making the Daily Mirror one of your Google preferred sources.

Although Carragher now believes his former club have a realistic chance to challenge for the title ahead of the weekend fixture with Arsenal, he acknowledged he initially harboured doubts about Iraola's appointment and whether the Spaniard could succeed at the elite level.

Writing in his column for The Telegraph, Carragher explained: "I count myself as one of those on a journey with Iraola from initial scepticism following his appointment towards cautious optimism having seen his vision starting to take shape. My fear at the start of the season was that Liverpool employed a manager who had never won a trophy, nor managed in European competition.

"These did not strike me as solid credentials for a job of such stature. It felt like a gamble to opt for someone who would have to learn how to manage a big club rather than arrive ready-made. There was a lot to do, and some unanswered questions about what made Iraola the standout candidate, particularly given those who picked him – Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes – were about to announce their own departure as chief executive and sporting director, respectively."

Yet as the campaign has unfolded, Carragher has changed his position. The Liverpool legend explained: "There are several reasons why there are those who believe Iraola's side might push Arsenal closer than anticipated.

"First and foremost, the guilty verdict in the Manchester City case has altered the complexion of the season, and emboldened those who want to seize the initiative. When Iraola replaced Arne Slot last summer, it was difficult to envisage how Liverpool could get past both Arsenal and City within a year.

"Now we expect City to be punished soon. Given the nature and severity of their misdemeanours it is inconceivable they will be a title contender if that happens. The door is open for those in the chasing pack with the capacity and will to walk through it.

"But if Iraola repeats Slot's Premier League success during his Anfield career, Hughes and Edwards can expect more applause for getting it right for a successive time having done so when Jurgen Klopp left. Iraola has made a fine start in eradicating doubts about his relative inexperience."