Liverpool are beginning to look like a force to be reckoned with once again under Andoni Iraola, with cautious optimism growing that this could be a special season for the Reds.

After a slightly slow start, Iraola has guided Liverpool to five wins in a row, and as Premier League champions Arsenal come to Anfield on Sunday, his team have the chance to cut the Gunners’ lead over them to just three points.

Carragher impressed by Liverpool’s togetherness

After so many years of the Liverpool squad resembling something close to a family under Jurgen Klopp, the last couple of years have brought a negative shift for supporters.

Key characters have moved on, replaced by big-money signings who initially failed to deliver. Last season especially, Liverpool looked less like a team and more like a group of strangers thrown onto a pitch together. Happily, that is starting to change, with the scenes after the penalty shootout win over Chelsea an indication that the feelgood factor is returning to Anfield.

Carragher has noticed it, and claims that along with their newfound defensive solidity and an increase in output from Alexander Isak, the ‘togetherness’ in the squad is what is making him turn from a self-confessed Iraola sceptic, to someone who believes Liverpool could push Arsenal this season.

“Iraola is a front-footed manager, but Liverpool’s recent success has been built upon a more robust back line, aided by the introduction of the exceptional young centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and emerging cult hero Ronald Araujo,” the former Reds defender wrote in Friday’s edition of The Telegraph.

“At the same time, the productivity up front has started to increase, with 15 goals in the last five games as Alexander Isak has found form, and teenager Rio Ngumoha gets everyone off their seat every time he is in possession. We are yet to see a full 90-minute Liverpool performance where all the elements come together, but there is already more to admire than concern.

“Perhaps most encouraging of all is a togetherness in the team that was not there a year ago. My sympathy for Slot is on record. Tragically, he had a lot to deal with off the field. On it, my view is that when so many players were recruited in 2025, it had a detrimental impact as the new direction hindered rather than helped him.

“Finding the right blend between those who had achieved so much at the club, and those signed for massive fees entrusted with maintaining that success, proved challenging. Iraola’s different approach, in addition to the squad’s make-up absorbing more new signings, may mean that the club is emerging from this tricky transition as legends depart and new ones seek to make their name.”

Carragher goes on to say that although he does not expect Liverpool to dethrone Arsenal in May, a win on Sunday would soften his stance on that, with the Reds looking as though they are at the beginning of a long and rewarding journey under Iraola’s guidance.