The Gunners were presented with their first major challenge since finding their feet under Unai Emery and rose to the task in a 1-1 draw.
The north London side were well worth their point, gained via Alexandre Lacazette’s late equaliser, having played with high tempo a bold attacking approach which excited a lively Emirates Stadium crowd.
That fuelled hope that Arsenal can launch a challenge for the top four this season having finished outside the Champions League qualification places in both of the last two years.
And shot-stopper Leno believes Emery’s side have set themselves a standard that they must continue to meet, backing them to have a successful campaign if they do so.
“I think we saw that we can play our way against big teams. We controlled Liverpool,” the Germany international declared to reporters.
“We played out of the back. It was not just lucky or lucky things to create from. We played the ball with passes from behind and that’s the way we want to play.
“The coach gives us much confidence to play like this and we train every day very hard with him, and in the videos as well. That’s the way we want to keep going.
“Tactically, it is one step better than at the beginning of the season because it needs time and it also needs time now in the next weeks.
“If we work like this and play like this, we could have a great season.”
Leno has now established himself as No 1 and was picked to face Liverpool despite Petr Cech’s recent return to fitness.
While the former Bayern Leverkusen keeper – who cost £22million – was lucky to get away with failing to meet one cross as Virgil van Dijk headed against the post, Leno also made two strong saves against the Dutchman.
And the 22-year-old hopes to continue to improve as he bids to keep veteran Cech out of the starting line-up.
He continued: “First of all, it gives me confidence to play in big games like Liverpool.
“But I think he pushes us because nobody is safe to play.
“I think both of us will play many games this season and so the performances have to be good. I think we push each other every day in training and in the games.
“I am proud and happy the coach decided on me and I will give my best performances so that won’t change.”
Leno will hope to keep his place when Arsenal take on Sporting in the Europa League group stages on Thursday (8pm).
Having claimed nine points from nine so far in Europe, victory against the Portuguese outfit – who are second in Group E on six points – would all but confirm their spot in the knockout stages.