Liverpool’s defeat to Arsenal was disappointing, particularly after the encouraging performances that had come before it. But one result should not make us forget the progress Andoni Iraola’s side have been making.
That is the message from Liverpool journalist David Lynch, who believes the Reds are now firmly in the race for a top-four finish.
And, to be honest, I think that is a pretty realistic assessment of where Liverpool are right now.
Speaking about the club’s current situation, Lynch pointed out that a top-four challenge was what many of us expected, despite the enormous amount of football still to be played.
He also made an interesting comparison with last season, when Liverpool’s excellent opening five games helped disguise what became a very difficult campaign from that point onwards.
Last season’s fast start was misleading
Lynch highlighted how Liverpool collected 15 points from their opening five matches last season, but believes those results did a lot of the heavy lifting.
From the sixth game onwards, performances dropped dramatically, and Liverpool struggled to maintain the standards expected of them.
That is an important point.
A brilliant start can make a season look healthier than it really is. Those early victories gave Liverpool a cushion, but the performances that followed did not provide the consistency needed to sustain a serious challenge.
This time around, the picture feels different.
Liverpool have had their difficult moments, but there have also been encouraging victories and performances that suggest something is beginning to take shape under Iraola.
You can see what Iraola is trying to build
One of the most encouraging things about Liverpool recently has been the growing identity of the team.
There is more intensity, more attacking intent and a clearer idea of how Iraola wants his side to play.
The dramatic comeback against Villarreal, the victory over Brighton and the Carabao Cup win against Chelsea all provided reasons for optimism.
There have been signs that Liverpool are becoming more comfortable with the manager’s approach, and some of the younger players are beginning to make their mark.
Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha are two examples of players who could have important roles to play as the season develops.
There is still plenty to improve, particularly in the final third, but the feeling that something is building is understandable.
The Arsenal defeat puts things into perspective
Of course, Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal was a reminder that there is still a considerable gap between where this team is now and where it wants to be.
The Reds had spells when they put Arsenal under serious pressure, but they failed to turn that pressure into goals.
It was frustrating because Liverpool had the opportunity to make a real statement against the league leaders.
However, I don’t believe that defeat should suddenly change the way we view Iraola’s progress.
Liverpool are still developing, and expecting everything to fall into place immediately would be unrealistic.
The challenge now is to respond properly, rediscover the winning feeling and make sure one disappointing afternoon does not turn into a poor run of results.
A top-four finish has to be the target
For me, Champions League qualification should be Liverpool’s main Premier League objective this season.
We need to be realistic about where this squad is and what Iraola is trying to achieve.
I would love to see Liverpool challenging for the title, but I don’t think we are quite there yet. The manager needs time, and there are areas of the squad that still require attention.
The midfield remains a particular concern, while strengthening at full-back could also become an important part of the next stage of the rebuild.
If Liverpool can secure a top-four finish while developing a more consistent style of football, that would represent a positive step forward.
There is also the opportunity to make progress in the cup competitions, and I certainly wouldn’t complain about another trophy arriving at Anfield.
I’m starting to believe there is something building
I agree with David Lynch’s assessment.
Last season’s early points total gave Liverpool a false sense of security because the performances eventually fell away. This season, I want to see a team that improves as the campaign progresses rather than one that relies on a brilliant opening few weeks.
There have been encouraging signs under Iraola, and I think supporters are beginning to recognise what he is trying to build.
That doesn’t mean we should get carried away after a few good results, just as we shouldn’t panic after losing to Arsenal.
There will be more difficult afternoons, and there will be times when the team frustrates us. That is part of rebuilding.
But I would much rather see Liverpool developing an identity, giving young players opportunities and building towards something sustainable than simply chasing short-term results.
A top-four finish is a realistic target, and if Iraola can get Liverpool back into the Champions League while laying the foundations for the future, I believe that would be a very encouraging season.
There is still a long way to go, but I’m starting to feel that something is building at Anfield.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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