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.”
He also recognised the improvements Iraola has overseen.
“Every area of the pitch has improved year on year from last season.”
Those developments have contributed to growing confidence around Liverpool, although Steele acknowledged the importance of producing another strong performance against Arsenal.
Photo: IMAGO
Arsenal Clash Presents Defining Test for Iraola
The consequences of Sunday’s meeting were another major focus of the podcast, with Steele outlining how the result could shape Liverpool’s season.
“If you can beat Arsenal, then that’s a big plus confidence-wise.”
However, he also acknowledged the implications of defeat.
“If they lose it, you sort of think, well, maybe a title race is a step too far this season.”
Despite the season remaining in its early stages, Steele described the fixture as a potentially significant encounter.
“It feels like a real… real six-pointer, real sort of significant test of where Liverpool are at this season.”
The journalist also considered the possibility of Liverpool defeating Arsenal following their recent improvements.
Asked directly by Davis whether he would be writing about Liverpool as title contenders if they won, Steele responded:
“Well, I suppose I’ll have to, won’t I?”
He then offered his clearest assessment of Liverpool’s prospects.
“If you can beat the champions and you know you’re in that position and you can beat brighton you can beat brentford and you’re unlucky against city.”
Steele pointed towards Liverpool’s attacking options and defensive improvement as further reasons to consider their potential.
“I think you’re absolutely in a title race.”
Nevertheless, he stressed the quality of Sunday’s opponents.
“But Arsenal are a very, very good team, so let’s not forget that.”
For Liverpool, victory over Arsenal would strengthen the belief generated by recent performances and provide further evidence of their progress under Iraola.
The Reds have an opportunity to reduce the gap to Arsenal to three points, adding further significance to the meeting at Anfield.
Steele’s assessment suggests Liverpool have earned the right to be discussed as potential contenders. Sunday’s result could determine how seriously that possibility is considered.