Liverpool took the first step towards getting back on track in the Premier League this weekend when it beat West Ham United thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.
While there is still more work to be done — and some more big questions for Arne Slot to answer — this was a positive performance and result in which the Reds looked much more structurally sound.
Defensively, Liverpool was more solid and in control, while Florian Wirtz created plenty of chances for his teammates, stepping up in the absence of Mohamed Salah, who was left on the bench.
No one at Liverpool will be getting carried away after just one game, but moving up six places in the Premier League table with one victory and with only a three-point gap to Chelsea in third spot, things can change quickly.
Next up, it hosts Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday and has four more games after that before the end of 2025.
Liverpool's next five Premier League games: Sunderland (H), Leeds (A), Brighton (H), Spurs (A), Wolves (H)
After beating West Ham, Liverpool has more games that should, in theory, be winnable. Isak scoring and Wirtz playing so well gave Arne Slot a boost and now his side needs to build on it.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot during his post-match press conference at West Ham United.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot during his post-match press conference at West Ham United. (Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
High-flying Sunderland will be tricky, Leeds United under the lights at Elland Road will be a test, and then Brighton can make things difficult for anyone. But if Liverpool can get on a run, it will fly back up the table in no time.
Arsenal 's next five Premier League games : Brentford (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H), Everton (A), Brighton (H)
After it dropped points against 10-man Chelsea in a week where it had beaten Spurs and Bayern Munich, Arsenal now faces a slightly easier run, again on paper.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Liverpool FC 2025/26 kits
No game is easy but a trip to Aston Villa could prove challenging and Arsenal will also take on Brighton at the Emirates soon. The way it is playing, Mikel Arteta's team should win most, if not all, of its upcoming games.
Manchester City 's next five Premier League games : Fulham (A), Sunderland (H), Crystal Palace (A), West Ham (H), Nottingham Forest (A)
The closest challenger to Arsenal as things stand, Manchester City has been a little inconsistent this season. It let a two-goal lead against Leeds slip this weekend before Phil Foden's winner and hasn't made life easy for itself.
Its next few games, especially the next three, could easily see points dropped by Pep Guardiola's men. As it stands, Liverpool is only four points behind Manchester City and should be eyeing the chance to close that gap.