Liverpool may now be a point behind the Premier League leaders, but they can regain the lead and remain on course for silverware in the next couple of weeks.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
Liverpool may have surrendered top spot in the Premier League this weekend but they are still handily placed. Their performance in the 0-0 draw against Southampton was a good one which on another day would have seen them take all three points. Instead they are one point behind Chelsea in second place after 12 games.
There’s no need to be downhearted as Liverpool showed defensive steel and managed to create chances. There will be the odd game when the ball somehow doesn’t find itself in the net. They will, however, be hoping that no such games occur in the next couple of weeks, and beyond.
It could be viewed as a crucial stage of the season that is about to occur for the Reds in terms of their ambitions for the title and other silverware opportunities – even though we have yet to hit the halfway stage of the season.
Chelsea claimed the lead in the title race on Sunday thanks to their sixth consecutive league win without conceding a goal after a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.
They now face two pretty difficult fixtures in an unbeaten Tottenham side who got back to winning ways at the weekend, followed by a trip to Manchester City.
In the meantime, Liverpool play Sunderland at home and Bournemouth away. Both could be challenging, but both games they are expected to win.
As a result, Liverpool will hope to regain the lead of the title race in the next couple of weeks, though if Chelsea manage to stretch their run of wins to eight games, it would lay a marker down for the rest. However, Liverpool must keep on their shoulders if that’s the case.
Even if Chelsea win their next two there is the opportunity for them to put some breathing space between themselves and Manchester City, and extend the gap they currently hold over Tottenham. Doing that would enhance their credentials for finishing in the Champions League places at the very least.
Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum and Philippe Coutinho react
In between those two league games is an important EFL Cup quarter-final tie against Leeds United. A big club who will certainly be up for the challenge of trying to cause an upset at Anfield, and something Liverpool must not take lightly against a side that has enjoyed a decent start to the season, leaving them in contention for the play-off spots.
Jürgen Klopp’s side missed out on silverware last season and he is determined to go one better in this competition. Liverpool need to put some silverware in the cabinet in order to establish a foundation to build from. Ensuring they’re on course to win this competition could give the side belief they can get over the line in competitions, and be a stepping stone to ensure they do claim their holy grail in the league title – whether that’s this season or in the next couple of years.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp before the match
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