Chris Sutton and Steve McManaman agree on Premier League title claim after Liverpool vs Everton

Chris Sutton and Steve McManaman have been speaking about Liverpool’s Premier League title chances this season. The Reds defeated Merseyside rivals Everton over the weekend to remain within three points of leaders Tottenham, who won on Monday night.

Liverpool made plenty of changes over the summer, with Jurgen Klopp overhauling his midfield, and many expected this season to be one of transition. But the Reds have kept pace with Premier League title favourites Arsenal and Manchester City - just one point worse off - and they have remained consistent despite having tricky fixtures to start the season.

Pundits are now starting to believe the Reds may have what it takes to challenge this season, although Sutton says he was always on board with the idea.

“I went early on them,” he said on BBC 5Live. “Just because of the midfield players they have brought and the rotation they can have in forward areas. You never leave Salah out, but the options they have in forward areas...I’m still worried about them defensively, but I was at the Etihad at the weekend, and Man City were brilliant in the first half, but they are looking...I don’t want to say vulnerable, but I think Liverpool will be a bigger challenger to Man City than Arsenal will, I really do this season.”

Former Liverpool star McManaman has also spoken about the Reds’ chances, telling Betfred: “I don’t think any of them have been overly convincing. I believe Liverpool have done well because the only defeat they’ve suffered this season was in the infamous game against Tottenham Hotspur, but they still haven’t exactly been blowing teams away.

“Manchester City have done okay as well, beating the teams they should be beating, but I would say that Liverpool have probably played the hardest games so far out of the teams in the title race. They’ve played away from home against Brighton, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham, so the fact that they’re sitting close despite competing in those difficult fixtures is an indication that they’ve potentially been the most impressive so far out of all the title contenders.

“I believe that all the teams around the top of the table currently are the sides that you’d expect to be there. None of them haven’t slipped into first gear yet and once we come towards Christmas and there’s a break from European competition, then those who’re going to go the furthest in this title race will start to kick on.”