After winning the Premier League in 2019/20, ending a 30-year wait, Liverpool fell back in 2020/21 and became one of the also-rans as Manchester City ran away with the league uncontested. This season, however, it looks like the Reds are back and mean business.
With five games played, Jurgen Klopp's side have 13 points from a possible 15 and are unbeaten. They have also conceded just one goal and, overnight on Saturday at least, they are the Premier League leaders.
On Saturday, Crystal Palace were the Reds' latest victims, losing 3-0 at Anfield. It could have been a tricky game for the hosts considering that they had faced an intense battle with AC Milan midweek and Palace were coming into the game on the back of a resounding 3-0 win over Spurs in which new striker Odsonne Edouard netted twice.
In the end, Liverpool were reasonably comfortable and ran out convincing winners, which, perhaps better than any other result this season, exemplifies their title credentials. The games either side of European fixtures can be huge in determining the league champion and the significance of Saturday's three points can be seen in the fact that Manchester City slipped up at home to Southampton.
Klopp's team selections have ultimately been vindicated and he has navigated this first European week successfully, rotating his squad for each match and taking three points either side of a big Champions League win. A comeback triumph against AC Milan is something Liverpool fans have fond memories of and perhaps this could be an early omen of good things to come in 2021/22.
Having Virgil van Dijk back is also absolutely massive for Liverpool. Klopp had to make do without the Dutchman, arguably the best centre-back in world football, for much of last season, in addition to numerous other problems.
Liverpool fit and firing are contenders and they have laid out their intentions with a strong start to this season. If they can continue to play at this rhythm and if Klopp's decisions continue to pay off then they should ensure Manchester City have a fight on their hands this time around.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com