Arne Slot and his Liverpool players have been branded smug by former Red David James - although it’s not the insult it might appear to be.

The Dutchman has enjoyed a sensational first six months since taking over from Jurgen Klopp during the summer. Slot has guided Liverpool to 21 wins from 25 games in all competitions, with his side on course to claim some silverware in his debut campaign.

The Reds hold a four-point advantage at the top of the Premier League, and will be guaranteed pole position heading into 2025 if they beat Leicester on Boxing Day. Not just that, but they also sit top of the Champions League standings after winning all six of their games in Europe so far, while a Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham lies in wait in the New Year.

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Liverpool laid down another marker by demolishing Spurs on Sunday. Despite Ange Postecoglou’s side scoring three times, there was no denying that the Reds deserved their result, having dominated throughout.

And former Liverpool goalkeeper James spotted something during the Reds’ win in north London that he feels no other side has exhibited this season, which could give them an advantage in the title race.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, James said: "There is a side to this Liverpool team and Arne Slot and everyone, they don't seem to mind other teams playing well against them at some point during the game, i.e scoring goals and Tottenham scored three goals.

"If you had said to someone you are going to go to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and concede three goals, how do you feel? Well you would say 'we will probably score four, we might even score six'. It's a level of smugness, which I say in the fondest way, that no one else in the league has this year and it's wonderful to watch."

Former Tottenham defender Stephen Kelly was equally impressed by the Reds, and he believes the title race may already be done and dusted.

"I think it is a foot race between Liverpool and Liverpool. I don't think anyone catches them,” Kelly said.

"They are just so decisive and so cutting in games in moments when they need to be. If they had some key injuries to key players then that could change things obviously with the run-in left but you just look at them and think 'this team are unstoppable at the moment'.

"I can't see anyone getting to the level to really pose a threat."

Liverpool.com says: Hold your horses guys - there’s still a long way to go. You won’t find any Liverpool players getting ahead of themselves just yet, even with their strong position in the league. It’s important the Reds just keep focusing on getting the job done, and hopefully they will get their rewards at the end of the season.