Andoni Iraola said before Sunday's home game against Arsenal that it is still too early to say whether Liverpool are in a Premier League title challenge, even if they win. Liverpool can move within three points of Arsenal with a victory on Sunday.
Iraola's view on the title race
Iraola said: "It's good if the fans have expectations and think we can win. But if you ask me, it is still very early in the season."
Iraola said: "I said before, it's still October, take one game at a time and I always say the first reference is normally when we have played against each other once, halfway through the season, and then you can start looking at the standings."
Iraola said: "Now we are in a position where we need to improve, keep getting better."
Team news before Arsenal
Iraola said Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz had a chance of being available.
Iraola said: "We still have two days."
Iraola said: "I think they have a chance, yes."
The Independent says Szoboszlai's return from injury against Brentford two weeks earlier lasted only 31 minutes.
Cup progress and recent matches
The Independent says Liverpool progressed past Chelsea in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Football365 says Brentford were 1-0 up before Liverpool came back to win 2-1 after a red card.
Football365 says Villarreal were two goals up at Anfield before Liverpool came back to win 4-3.
Football365 says Liverpool needed penalties to beat Chelsea.
Outside views
The Independent says former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said Liverpool could emerge as Arsenal's closest challengers if they beat Arsenal on Sunday.
The Empire of The Kop says former Gunners star Paul Merson told 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."
Merson said: "If they don’t win, they stay six points behind at least and still have to go to the Emirates."
Merson said: "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."
Merson said: "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."
