Liverpool title race: Five reasons Jurgen Klopp’s Reds will not repeat mistakes which cost Liverpool titlethree years ago
Why the Anfield outfit have the ability to go one step further than in 2013-14
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LIVERPOOL were once again in rampant mood as they trounced Watford 6-1 at Anfield on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp's men tore into the Hornets from the first whistle and could have been three-up before they had even found the net.
The Anfield annihilation sent Liverpool top of the Premier League, where they will remain for at least two weeks due to the international break.
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Following yet another big win - in an ominously impressive performance - there were even more murmurs of the Reds going all the way and finally getting their hands on the league title.
Having come close, only to slip-up in 2013-14 despite having the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez in their ranks, Klopp is adamant the demons from two years ago have been firmly quashed.
The former Borussia Dortmund chief said: "This is not the team of two years ago. This is a new group."
With that in mind, we take a look at the five reasons Liverpool can win the league in 2016-17.
1. REDS ON KLOPP OF THE WORLD
SINCE Klopp took over at Anfield in October 2015, Liverpool has slowly but surely shown signs of genuine title-winning form, albeit in brief patches.
However, 12 months into his reign on Merseyside and the German boss' philosophies truly seem to have become engrained in Liverpool's stars.
The "Gegenpress" style of closing down opposition players quickly and high up the field is reaping rewards.
Meanwhile a fluid attacking front four has also worked to even more devastating effect than anyone could have hoped; but more on that later.
Klopp's positive, emotional, enthusiastic management has created a close-knit, family-style atmosphere to the Reds dressing room...
That is something all champions need; just take a moment to think of last season's Leicester squad under Claudio Ranieri.
2. FORWARD THINKING
WHILE many champions will build their team around a solid defence, it would appear Klopp is looking to win the title with an outrageously talented attacking side.
The defence continues to look somewhat leaky and it's unclear if the German boss even knows what his best back four is... Even in November, Liverpool's best option at left-back is James Milner.
But in attack, the personnel is devastating, with Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino being joined by Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana.
That is arguably as good as any other team's options in the Premier League.
Through 11 games this season, Liverpool have netted 30 goals, with no fewer than TEN different scorers - more than anyone in the league... In both categories.
At this stage in 2013-14, only five Reds stars had found the net. Add to that that in the present day, Daniel Sturridge is yet to find the net in the Premier League.
It's almost certain that will change and only add an extra, fearsome arrow to Klopp's attacking quiver.
Finally, Liverpool have scored four goals or more in a league game this season five teams already, from just 11 games.
At that pace, the Reds will manage the feat 17 times this season... The record currently stands at just 11, also set by Liverpool - joint with Manchester City - in 2013-14.
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3. LESS IS MORE...
LESS certainly appears to be more for Liverpool, when it comes to a striker, anyway.
Despite having out-and-out centre-forwards such as Sturridge and Divock Origi in the squad, it is Firmino - a natural No10 - entrusted with leading the line.
However, with the front four the Reds have, rotating seamlessly around all four positions, defences are simply unable to contain them, unsure who to mark and where and when to follow their man.
On top of that, if one player is having a tough game, the other three are there to pick up the slack. The options in that front four are mind-boggling.
The way Coutinho, Firmino, Mane and Lallana are able to fashion, create and convert chances for Klopp's side make them a completely unique animal.
Whether it is a title-winning one remains to be seen.
4. DEEPER MEANING
IN previous years, Liverpool squads have been somewhat threadbare, with the bench and rotation options a little weak for supposed title contenders.
This season is a different story, however, with a wonderful blend of players taking to the bench - and of course the good, old-fashioned League Cup games.
As already noted, Sturridge is deemed not good enough for the starting XI, but is a superb option off the bench.
He sits alongside other first-team quality players such as Origi and one of Emre Can or Georginio Wijnaldum most weeks, with some exciting youngsters such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Sheyi Ojo and Ovie Ejaria usually on show too.
Players such as Alberto Moreno and Simon Mignolet - despite occasionally being criticised for their performances - have years of first-team experience under their belt and help provide important competition for the starters.
Simply put, the squad as a whole feels larger and stronger than ever.
A star addition or two - particularly in defence - in January would only help fire Liverpool to an even higher level.
5. WHAT PRESSURE?
NOW, of course, any team with a chance of winning the league title will be feeling the pressure, but by Liverpool's standards that strain is comparatively low.
First of all, there is no Steven Gerrard or Jamie Carragher, which might sound strange, but part of the problem in 2013-14 was desperately striving to win the league for club legend Stevie G.
However, with no Gerrard or Carra, for the first time since the mid-1990s Liverpool will be looking to win the Premier League as a team, for the team and not sub-consciously for one man.
On top of that, there is no European action this season for the Reds meaning they are all focused on one goal... The Premier League.
With no regular midweek games to contend with, Klopp can send out the same XI every week if he wants, which breeds a feeling of regularity in the squad.
If a winning mentality can become the norm, then that can only be a positive for any team... In this case, Liverpool.