Carragher backs Liverpool to challenge Arsenal as Araujo agent rules out early exit talk

Jamie Carragher has shifted from sceptic to believer on Liverpool’s title credentials, naming Andoni Iraola’s side as Arsenal’s most likely challengers — while Ronald Araujo’s agent has moved to quash any suggestion the defender will leave Anfield before his loan expires.

Carragher, writing in his column for The Telegraph, admitted he began the season doubting whether Iraola — a manager without a trophy or European experience — was the right appointment for a club of Liverpool’s stature. Five consecutive wins, including a Carabao Cup quarter-final place secured on penalties against Chelsea on Wednesday, have changed his assessment.

“I count myself as one of those on a journey with Iraola from initial scepticism following his appointment towards cautious optimism having seen his vision starting to take shape,” Carragher wrote. “My fear at the start of the season was that Liverpool employed a manager who had never won a trophy, nor managed in European competition. These did not strike me as solid credentials for a job of such stature.”

The former Liverpool defender also pointed to Manchester City’s legal situation as a factor reshaping the title race. “The guilty verdict in the Manchester City case has altered the complexion of the season, and emboldened those who want to seize the initiative,” he wrote. “Now we expect City to be punished soon. Given the nature and severity of their misdemeanours it is inconceivable they will be a title contender if that happens. The door is open for those in the chasing pack with the capacity and will to walk through it.”

Liverpool’s turnaround has been sharp. After a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this month, Iraola’s side have beaten LASK, Brentford, Villarreal, Brighton and Chelsea, scoring 15 goals across those five fixtures. Attention now turns to Sunday’s Premier League meeting with leaders Arsenal.

On the transfer front, the agent of Ronald Araujo has sought to dampen speculation surrounding the Uruguayan centre-back’s future. Araujo joined Liverpool on a season-long loan from Barcelona in August, and his representative says it is “too early” to discuss what happens beyond this campaign — but stressed that his client is content at the club. No further details about a potential permanent deal or early recall have been confirmed.