Andoni Iraola has overseen an unbeaten start at Liverpool, going seven games without defeat in all competitions—a run that matches the best efforts of Joe Fagan and Bob Paisley when they arrived at Anfield as new managers, according to Blood Red columnist Ian Doyle.
The Basque boss has also not lost any of his last 24 competitive games since leaving Bournemouth, though Doyle notes that exactly half have been draws, suggesting Iraola’s early focus has been on building a solid defensive foundation. Liverpool have conceded only four goals in five Premier League games, bettered only by Leeds United and Everton.
However, Doyle argues the real test lies ahead. Liverpool remain some way from the urgent, aggressive football Iraola was brought in to deliver, with Alexander Isak still bedding in and the team having produced uninspired performances against Bournemouth and Fulham. The attack needs time to fully click.
The visit of Manchester City on 11 October will prove decisive, Doyle writes. With City found guilty on the vast majority of their 115 financial charges, there may be uncertainty in the Etihad ranks. Iraola and Liverpool cannot dwell on the past, but must capitalise on any instability and demonstrate that a new era has begun both at the club and across the Premier League.
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