Tuesday 1 November 2016 13:51, UK
Liverpool's victory at Crystal Palace on the weekend demonstrated that Jurgen Klopp's side are capable of winning the Premier League this season, according to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.
The Reds won 4-2 at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening, having previously lost three of their last four league games against Palace.
Those three points kept Liverpool in a three-way tie for the leadership of the Premier League alongside both Manchester City and Arsenal after the opening 10 games of the season, a scenario Carragher says Reds supporters will be over the moon with.
"If someone had said Liverpool would have been sixth or seventh and a couple of points off top four at this stage of the season, I think Liverpool fans would have been delighted because of the tough start they had," the former Liverpool defender said on Monday Night Football.
"Now to be that close to the top of the table, it gives you great hope going forward. We've spoken before about them having no European football and you see them not playing a full team in the EFL Cup against Spurs."
Carragher has likened Liverpool's impressive start to the campaign to the one they made three years ago under previous boss Brendan Rodgers, when they came within a whisker of winning their first top-flight title since 1990.
"I know defensively it still looks like they have big problems, but their intensity with the ball and the way they close people down, it's reminiscent of a couple of years ago," he said.
They have the edge at the moment on others because of the games they've played
"I go back to that season under Brendan Rodgers, and don't forget that extra energy, that intensity, closing people down and fast football almost took Liverpool to the title. That extra energy, intensity and fast football.
"I think [Palace boss] Alan Pardew and the players said they were the best team they've come up against this season.
"Some of the football is fantastic and Crystal Palace away - you are not playing one of the big boys, but it's one of those games you look at as a player or as a fan and think you can easily drop points.
"To go there and win so emphatically probably sent a message what with it being on TV with everyone watching thinking: 'These [Liverpool] are the real deal.'"
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry agrees with Carragher that Liverpool must now be considered one of the favourites for the title, especially given the tough run of away fixtures they have already had to contend with.
And it is those wins at the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as draws with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, that the Frenchman believes gives the Reds a slight advantage in the title race.
"I enjoy watching them play with the desire and the commitment they show," the former Arsenal forward said.
"Jamie [Carragher] mentioned hope and I think that's one of the most important things. The Liverpool fans actually hope that they can win the league.
"It happened under Brendan Rodgers and a couple of times before that when Jamie was playing, but this early in the season they are at it.
"I think they have the edge at the moment on others because of the games they've played already, especially away from home where they've won already, and how they win games. That's what surprises me."
One area of concern for Liverpool, however, have been their difficulties so far this season in breaking down some of the more defensive-minded sides they have come up against, an area they will need to work on going forward, according to Henry.
"The only thing I will say about Liverpool is that when they play against a team that waits against them like Man Utd or Burnley, at times they struggle to find a way to win.
"But other than that, if you go at them or try to be too open, it's great. Whenever they play I usually watch because they are a joy to watch."
