Journalist names one thing Liverpool can do to instantly become Premier League title challengers
Lewis Steele: Liverpool Could Enter Premier League Title Race With Arsenal Victory Liverpool's upcoming Premier League clash with Arsenal could provide the clearest indication yet of whether Andoni Iraola's side are capable of mounting a genuine title challenge this season. Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index's Media Matters podcast, journalist Lewis Steele discussed Liverpool's improving form, the significance of Sunday's meeting with Arsenal and how victory could transform expectations at Anfield.
Following Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Brighton, Steele believes the Reds have reasons for optimism, although Arsenal represent a considerable test of their progress. Liverpool Against Arsenal Could Define Premier League Ambitions With Liverpool preparing to face Arsenal, Steele acknowledged the importance of a fixture that could significantly influence perceptions of the Premier League title race.
Discussing the wider expectations surrounding both clubs, he said: "I think if you look around at most people's pre-season predictions, they probably had Arsenal to go back-to-back and Liverpool were a bit of a work in progress." However, Liverpool's recent improvement has brought renewed attention to their potential involvement in the title race. Steele explained exactly what victory over Arsenal could mean.
"If Liverpool win that, then everyone's saying they're definitely in the title race. And absolutely, they'd be right to be in that conversation." He also highlighted the psychological benefits of defeating one of the competition's strongest sides.
"You can go quite a long way on just good vibes, I think, in title races." For Liverpool, maintaining their momentum against Arsenal would provide another indication of how far they have progressed under Iraola. Lewis Steele Highlights Liverpool's Growing Confidence Liverpool's recent victories over Brentford and Brighton featured prominently in the discussion, with Steele emphasising the quality of their opposition.
"I think beating both of them in back-to-back weeks is a very good achievement."
The journalist also praised Liverpool's defensive improvement and the growing influence of their attacking players.
Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola were among those discussed as Liverpool's expensive summer arrivals began delivering more consistently. Steele suggested the availability of several potential match-winners could become particularly important.
"There's quite a few different match winners in the team now that one of them can have a bad game or a bad couple of games."