Liverpool vs Arsenal Could Shape Early Premier League Title Race

Liverpool host Arsenal on Sunday with the usual noise building around the Premier League title race. That happens whenever big clubs meet near the top end of the table. It does not always mean the noise is right.

One argument being pushed is simple enough. Win at Anfield and Liverpool close the gap on Arsenal, make up ground in the Premier League table and force themselves into the conversation. Lose, and the maths gets ugly very quickly. It is hard to dispute that part.

As Paul Merson put it on Sky Sports, “Liverpool are starting to cook a little bit, but they have got to win this Sunday if they want to be in the Premier League title race.” That is the headline view and, on the surface, it makes sense.

There is more to it than that. Liverpool are still in the early stages of Andoni Iraola’s reign. He arrived after a dismal 2025/26 campaign under Arne Slot, who won the Premier League in 2024/25 before the collapse that led to his sacking on May 30, 2026. Iraola’s job is not to chase headlines after nine league matches. His job is to rebuild a side that lost structure, confidence and consistency.

If Liverpool beat Arsenal, they strengthen their position. If they do not, they remain behind and still have a trip to the Emirates to come. Again, that part is obvious. The same pundit spelled it out clearly: “If they don’t win, they stay six points behind at least and still have to go to the Emirates.

“You’re then asking Arsenal to lose two football matches without you losing one. And given Liverpool will lose more games this season, you’re then asking Arsenal to lose three or four games for the rest of the season. That’s a lot of games.

“But at the same time, it’s also must-not-lose for Liverpool as they still need to stay on track for the Champions League places.

“If Arsenal go and win against Liverpool, that could nearly be it for the Premier League title. You then start to think: who’s going to go and beat them?”

Photo: IMAGO

Andoni Iraola Rebuild Still Needs Time

The point about Liverpool being in a title race feels premature. Nine games tell you something, but not enough. They can show direction, shape and intent. They do not prove endurance. League titles are won from November onwards, when fixtures pile up, injuries bite and squad flaws stop being theoretical.

Liverpool have improved. That much is clear. Iraola has made them more aggressive, more organised and more coherent. There are signs of recovery after the previous season’s mess. There are also obvious limits.

The squad remains uneven. Summer business added talent, but balance is another matter. Ronald Araujo has impressed, Milos Kerkez has shown progress, and Alexander Isak gives Liverpool elite firepower at the top end of the pitch. Even so, this squad still looks short in key areas.

Squad Gaps Could Hurt Liverpool Title Hopes

The full-back positions still come with doubts. Liverpool also need a proper holding midfielder, somebody who can screen the defence and move the ball forward without fuss. On top of that, a right-sided winger remains an issue. There is also a case for another striker, though the expectation appears to be that Hugo Ekitike will eventually return and contribute.

That is why making any firm declaration about a Liverpool title race in October is risky. This team can compete. It can trouble good opponents. It may well finish in the Champions League places. Going toe to toe with Arsenal and Manchester City for a full season is a different question.

January Transfer Window May Be Decisive

Sunday still matters. Of course it does. Big games always do, particularly when they affect both the table and the mood around a new manager. Beat Arsenal and Liverpool give themselves a genuine platform. Draw and they stay alive. Lose and the focus shifts quickly from title talk to securing a top-four finish.

That is the realistic reading of where they are.

If Liverpool are still within touching distance when the January transfer window opens, then the club will have a decision to make. Back Iraola properly and address the weak points, or praise him for overachieving and leave the squad short. One path gives them a chance. The other leaves them vulnerable when the schedule gets heavier and the margins get tighter.

For now, Liverpool versus Arsenal is significant, but it is not a final verdict on the Premier League title race. It is an early test of whether this rebuild is moving faster than expected, and whether the club are prepared to act if the opportunity becomes real.