After their latest demolition of Watford by a score line of 6-1, Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool have now banged in 30 goals from their 11 games in the Premier League laying down clear warning signs about the serious firepower they have in their possession. Last season, Liverpool made two cup finals, after being involved in some entertaining games. However, Klopp has managed to get the best out of his side in the league this time. Sitting currently at the top of the League table with 26 points from a possible 33 winning 5 of their last 6 games, Liverpool are now looking increasingly like title contenders.
Under Brendan Rodgers, the Reds mounted their last realistic title challenge in 2013/14 when they lost out to Manchester City as they won the Premier League title with a two-point difference.
Since Jürgen Klopp took over the reigns at Anfield, the transformation in the attack has been remarkable. In fact, no other club in the English top-flight scored more goals than the Merseyside club. Since his arrival, Klopp assembled the players he wants over two transfer windows and with a full preseason in place the results are now evident on the pitch. Moving away from the 4-2-3-1 employed by Rodgers during his time, the dynamic 4-3-3 of Klopp aided by the scintillating form of the front three in Coutinho, Firmino and Mane has worked wonders for the team.
The first thing which helps a person identify that a team is managed by the renowned German coach is his ‘Gegenpressing’ approach which requires each player to work extremely hard off the ball so that there is little respite for the opponents in possession.
As we have seen on numerous occasions, high-intensity pressing is one of the most demanding features of a game which when done properly, a team suffers physically in the 2nd half. The thing is though when done properly the game is won in the first half itself. Which is why the real test of the team and its credentials will be in the second half of the season.
Liverpool have been the best team to watch for the neutrals this season with plenty of goals scored as well as the goals they conceded earlier in their season. The defence still looks to be settling in with some more time required before they can truly consider suffocating their opponents in a game which is why their high field pressing becomes all the more important.
There are certainly some things which will be asked of the current Liverpool team as the season progresses, like what will be their plan B in situations or how they will cope with the injuries to key players if it happens or even when the legs become heavier.
Nevertheless, with the absence of European fixtures, the Reds do have an advantage over their rivals (same with Chelsea), and in their current form they look like a team who can win the Premier League title.
