Liverpool are in the ascendancy after winning five matches on the bounce since their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this month
Ronald Araujo and Andoni Iraola
A Ronald Araujo transfer update has been issued(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Just weeks ago, sceptics questioned whether Andoni Iraola possessed the pedigree to thrive at Anfield, particularly after a bruising 3-0 defeat to Manchester City cast a dark cloud over his fledgling reign.
Yet the response Liverpool has been nothing short of magnificent. The Reds have completely transformed their fortunes by stringing together five straight victories across all competitions, showcasing a newly sharpened attack that has racked up 15 goals along the way.
Following convincing results against LASK, Brentford, Villarreal and Brighton, the Reds demonstrated their resolve on Wednesday night by knocking Chelsea out on spot-kicks to punch their ticket to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
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Suddenly, whisperings of a genuine title push are gathering real momentum. Focus now swings back toward Sunday's colossal fixture, where the Reds will test their championship credentials against reigning title-holders Arsenal.
Ahead of that massive weekend encounter, here is a look at the freshest stories and talking points emerging from the club.
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Carragher delivers bold title verdict
Jamie Carragher has performed an about-face regarding Liverpool's hopes of claiming the Premier League crown.
At the start of the current campaign, the iconic Anfield defender maintained that Iraola would need substantial time to mould the squad back into title material following an underwhelming 2025/26 under Arne Slot. Today, however, Carragher views Liverpool as Arsenal's primary contenders.
"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," the former defender wrote in his column for The Telegraph. "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.
Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher has changed his mind about Liverpool's title credentials(Image: Richard Sellers/PA Wire)
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"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."
Yet with the season progressing, Carragher has revised his assessment. "There are several reasons why there are those who believe Iraola's side might push Arsenal closer than anticipated," he said. "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.
"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."
Araujo future update
Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo has been impressing at Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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The agent representing Ronald Araujo claims it remains "too early" to discuss the defender's prospects past the current term, but stresses that his client is delighted at Anfield.
Araujo arrived on Merseyside on a season-long loan from Barcelona in August, quickly earning acclaim from supporters. While many supporters are pressing club chiefs to acquire the 27-year-old on a permanent deal, his representative, Edoardo Crnjar, has cooled suggestions of a definitive transfer, for the present moment at least.
"Ronald is performing well. We're very pleased with what he's bringing to the team, but it's still too early to talk about his future," he said. "He's feeling great. He's happy to be playing for Liverpool and to be helping the club and his team-mates, just as he's said before."
The defender made in excess of 200 appearances for Barcelona without ever locking down an undisputed starting role at Camp Nou. In contrast, since moving to Liverpool, he has taken part in all 13 opening fixtures, starting 11 times.