Liverpool are top of the Premier League after 11 games, but does their run of fixtures after the international break mean they should kick on?
The manner in the way Liverpool brushed aside at Watford side that had kept three consecutive clean sheets prior to being dismantled 6-1 at Anfield suggests that Jürgen Klopp’s side mean business this season.
On a weekend when the two sides who they were level on points with – in Manchester City and Arsenal – dropping points presented an opportunity for the Reds to head to the Premier League’s summit.
It’s still shaping up to be one of the tightest title races for some time as two points cover the top four – while unbeaten Tottenham who are three points further back can’t be discounted at this stage.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
There could be many changes in the lead of the Premier League title race between now and the conclusion of the season in May, but there could be an opportunity for Liverpool to try and build up some momentum. They are perhaps a little frustrated at the timing of the international break but there is more to do.
Since they faced Manchester United in a dour 0-0 draw last month, a lot was made of the run of fixtures Liverpool had from then on.
It has been three wins from three against West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace and Watford – with the Reds scoring 12 goals in the process.
Following the break they have a run of games against Southampton, Sunderland, Bournemouth, West Ham United and Middlesbrough before the Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park on 19th December.
Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino celebrates scoring their fourth goal
Liverpool will probably be favourites for all five of those games. The game against Southampton at St Mary’s arguably stood out as the biggest test of their credentials during this run as Claude Puel’s side has proved they are a handful – notably claiming a point against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
But it won’t have gone unnoticed that they were well beaten on their own patch by Chelsea, and spurned several opportunities to beat a struggling Hull side before succumbing to defeat. That Sunderland have found a win after their poor start to the season, that Bournemouth have shown they can go toe-to-toe with sides and get good and bad results in equal measure.
West Ham may have had a poor start to the season but have improved – and didn’t lose once to the Reds in four meetings last season, while Liverpool’s last win over Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium was back in 2002 – and they have taken points off both Arsenal and Manchester City.
Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates scoring their sixth goal with team mates
Yet, if they want to stand out from the crowd, it feels as though Liverpool probably need to go on a good run of wins here to keep their noses ahead of the pack.
Given that while they’re on that run Manchester City play Chelsea, both Arsenal and Tottenham visit Manchester United – there will be opportunities to game some ground on some, if not all, the teams that are close up behind them.
Though it may still be the first half of the season, Liverpool are likely to be entering a key period in their title challenge.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
