Liverpool look like clear Premier League title favorites at present

As the Premier League comes to a standstill for the November international break, Liverpool are flying higher than a lot of people expected.

Sitting atop the Premier League summit after eleven matches, Liverpool are hitting on all cylinders three months into the season. Leading Chelsea by a point in first place, Liverpool have an 8-2-1 record and have not lost since the second week of the campaign.

The Reds have a +16 goal differential, and have scored 30 goals through the opening 11 matches. Victories over Arsenal, Leicester City and Chelsea were impressive, and everybody is currently pulling their weight for the good of the team.

Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet have split time in-goal, while Nathaniel Clyne has started every game in the back-line. Center-back Joel Matip, signed from Schalke in the summer, has done a good job gelling with Dejan Lovren. James Milner has been featuring at left-back and has tallied four goals, all from the penalty spot.

MUST READ: 5 Underperforming EPL teams so far this season

Jurgen Klopp has Liverpool’s midfielders pressing a lot defensively, whilst playing sexy when they have the ball on offense. Jordan Henderson is the captain of the team and plays the way a Liverpool captain should. Adam Lallana (three goals, five assists) and Southampton summer signing Sadio Mane (six goals, two assists) look dangerous anytime they have the ball.

Brazilian international Philippe Coutinho has been Liverpool’s best player by far. He has five goals and five assists, and has brought a lot of flare to the attack. Coutinho possesses a deadly range with either foot and is always a threat outside the box.

More from The Top Flight

Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, and Roberto Firmino have all seen time as strikers, with Firmino making the most of his minutes. Tallying five goals and three assists, the Brazilian seems to be steadily improving in his second season at Anfield.

Sturridge’s health has been a problem in the past, but the 27-year-old has chipped in with four goals in the EFL Cup. The 21 year-old Origi has a lot of potential but has found it hard to start over the in-form Firmino.

The side has won their last three league fixtures by a combined margin of 12-4 – most recently posting a 6-1 drubbing of Watford. Liverpool practice a lot of tactics and fundamentals during training, which seem to be paying off early in the season.

The issue for Klopp is making sure that the squad returns healthy from the international break. Liverpool travel to Southampton on the 19th, before hosting last-place Sunderland on the 26th. A big reason for Liverpool’s success has been focusing on the Premier League and EFL Cup only.

With no involvement in European competitions, Klopp has been able to rest his players midweek if needed and keep his squad fresh. However, the question posed for Liverpool is whether or not they can continue this strong run?

Next: Crystal Palace in worrying decline after fourth straight defeat

Every team will face a downside. The possible fear for Liverpool supporters is just when that downside will occur. With 29 more matches and six months of the season still remaining, plenty can change.

But if they continue making mincemeat out of their competition, Liverpool could be on pace to bring home their first league title since the 1989-90 season.

Home/Liverpool FC