Andoni Iraola has played down suggestions that Liverpool could become serious Premier League title contenders with a victory over Arsenal, insisting there is still plenty of the season left to play.
Liverpool welcome the reigning champions to Anfield on Sunday, knowing a win would move them closer to Mikel Arteta's side in the league table.
The Reds have enjoyed an encouraging run of form, winning their last five matches across all competitions, including a penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
However, despite growing expectations around Anfield, Iraola is reluctant to look too far ahead, believing his side must concentrate on improving rather than becoming distracted by the title conversation.
Iraola plays down Liverpool title talk ahead of Arsenal clash
Speaking ahead of Sunday's meeting, Iraola was asked whether Liverpool could emerge as Arsenal's biggest challengers for the Premier League title if they secured all three points.
The Liverpool manager acknowledged the importance of the fixture but insisted that October is too early to make any meaningful judgements about the title race.
"It's still October, take one game at a time," Iraola explained.
He went on to suggest that the halfway point of the campaign would provide a more accurate indication of where teams stand in the title race, once everyone has faced each other.
"I always say the first reference, more or less, normally is when we play against each other once, so halfway through the season, and then you can start thinking on the standings and this stuff."
Rather than focusing on what a victory could mean for Liverpool's title ambitions, Iraola believes his team still have areas to improve.
"But right now we are in a position where we need to improve, we need to keep getting better," he added.
His comments suggest that even if Liverpool overcome Arsenal, he does not believe one result should automatically change the expectations surrounding his side.
Liverpool's impressive form gives supporters reason for optimism
There is certainly reason for optimism among Liverpool supporters, with Iraola's side enjoying a five-match winning run ahead of one of their biggest tests of the season.
Their recent results have helped them establish themselves among the teams chasing Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
A victory on Sunday would move Liverpool to within three points of the Gunners, adding further weight to suggestions that they could become genuine contenders.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has also suggested that the Reds could emerge as Arsenal's closest challengers, particularly with questions surrounding Manchester City's consistency this season.
However, Iraola is keen to maintain perspective and ensure his players remain focused on their performances rather than the wider implications of the league table.
While he welcomed supporters having high expectations, he made it clear that his own attention remains on the immediate challenge.
Iraola reunites with childhood friend Mikel Arteta
Sunday's fixture will also see Iraola come up against his childhood friend and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
The two Spaniards have known each other since their younger playing days in San Sebastián, making the meeting another reunion between familiar faces in the opposition dugout.
Iraola joked about the number of former teammates and friends he has faced from the touchline recently, referencing previous meetings with Iñigo Pérez and Xabi Alonso before turning his attention to Arteta.
He also acknowledged the challenge Arsenal will present, praising the quality of Arteta's squad and the understanding between their players.
The Liverpool boss knows his side will need to be at their best to secure a result against the reigning champions.
For now, though, Iraola is refusing to get caught up in title predictions. A victory over Arsenal would undoubtedly strengthen Liverpool's position, but the Spaniard believes the real picture will only become clearer as the season progresses.
