Anfield intensity and rotations: Iraola’s approach is improving Liverpool’s title challenge

A pivotal visit from Arsenal

Arsenal have not won at Anfield since 2012. Mikel Arteta’s side, described as reigning champions, arrive on Sunday at 16:30 GMT. Liverpool’s recent run makes the meeting important in the title race. A win would leave them three points behind Arsenal; a loss would widen the gap to nine after nine games. Jamie Carragher has called Liverpool Arsenal’s biggest title challengers, while Iraola said it was too early to focus on the table.

Anfield’s renewed connection

Liverpool’s home atmosphere had lost some of its force for much of last season, and watching the side was described as a turgid experience. Over the past fortnight, the connection between the team and supporters seems to have grown again. Iraola said the atmosphere Liverpool can create gives the team a special advantage over other sides.

Rotation and fresh legs

Iraola said he had limited experience coaching teams that play twice a week, but drew on his experience as a player returning from late-night travel. He said his current task is to make sound decisions about workload and keeping players fresh.

Liverpool are making many changes from game to game, and Iraola said they intend to continue that approach. The article also highlights his trust in young players Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas and James McConnell, alongside Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet.

A more direct, intense press

Iraola values creating better chances more than possession for its own sake. Liverpool went more direct against Brighton, a side that likes to keep the ball, and the approach worked; the team averages 24.9 long balls per Premier League game, up from 21 last season.

Virgil van Dijk described the intensity of Liverpool’s high press, recalling an interception that nearly sent Cody Gakpo through one-on-one. Iraola said there was another level to reach after arriving late to Friday’s news conference because training had overrun.