Iraola says Liverpool must be near their best vs Arsenal

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola believes his team is making progress, but he says only a performance “very close to our best” will be enough to beat Arsenal at Anfield this afternoon.

The Reds go into the Premier League fixture having won five consecutive matches across all competitions, including a penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup midweek. Arsenal arrive as league champions and joint leaders.

“This is the last of our four successive home games and given Arsenal arrive as league champions and joint-leaders, it would be fair to say that it is also the biggest test of that run,” Iraola writes in his notes for the matchday programme.

Iraola praised the squad’s recent work, describing three hard-earned victories in the period. “The team has done incredibly well so far,” he wrote.

The head coach also highlighted the growing bond with the home supporters. “It has also felt like the connection with Anfield is growing and this is something that gives me a lot of satisfaction.”

Liverpool are fifth in the Premier League table with 15 points from eight matches, having won four and lost one.

Iraola also spoke about Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, whom he has known for many years. “I could not have more respect for his achievements as a player and a manager,” he wrote, adding that Arteta will be focused only on getting the best result for his team.

Iraola stressed that the progress must continue. “If we want another good result, we will have to go out there and earn it.”