BACK FOR GOOD?

THE BIG DEBATE Liverpool have lost just once all season and their late win at Crystal Palace made them the Premier League leaders. Now that they have taken the top spot, we ask: Can the Reds stay there?

DAVID MCDONNELL

IF the mark of champions is the ability to win when playing poorly, then Liverpool are unquestionably title contenders this season.

Jurgen Klopp (below) admitted Saturday's 2-1 win at Crystal Palace, courtesy of late goals from Mo Salah and Harvey Elliott, was "a really bad performance" until his side found the net.

But Liverpool found a way to win and it is that ability to eke out victories in tight games that could prove the difference in this season's title race.

With so many teams With so dropping points, there is the tantalising prospect of three or four sides being in the title mix until the end of the season.

The Reds have the quality within their squad to be champions, the big question is whether they have the strength in depth to cope with the inevitable enforced absences they will face.

JOHN CROSS