Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes that the Premier League title race is already over, thanks to the electric start to the season by Manchester City.
Manchester City has dominated all but one of their nine games so far with only one draw and 29 goals from the first eight games. City beat Burnley 3-0 and are five points ahead of local rivals Manchester United. Liverpool has a game in hand over City but is 12 points adrift of the leaders.
“If you ask, ‘Is the race already done?’ City are so strong, flying along at the top of the table,” he said. “Maybe this race is decided already. I haven’t a clue.
“But there is still a lot to get in this league and to play for, especially for us. We have improved as well since last year, that is how it is.
“Perhaps not too much in the results, but in creating moments, chances. A lot of better things than last year, but so far we have not taken the results.
“If we stay convinced about our way and bring in consistency from what we’ve had performance-wise so far, then we can have our best season. That is the next step. We can build on this base.”
Liverpool’s form has left a lot to be desired of late, winning only one of their last five games. Only a win for the Spurs will take within five points of City, making them the most likely challengers in the short-term, especially after the shock defeat of Manchester United at Huddersfield Town.
If United and Spurs can take the fight to City, it will be the only challenge they have faced so far this year.