Slot warning, Alonso hint, Salah contract theory - Liverpool handed clear title race verdict

Liverpool have enjoyed a phenomenal start to the season under Arne Slot. The Reds have won all but two matches with a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest and a 1-1 draw against Arsenal the only games they've failed to win.

There were genuine fears that the Reds may endure a drop-off after legendary manager Jurgen Klopp departed Anfield in the summer. The popular German had a transformative impact on Liverpool who won numerous major trophies under him.

And Slot appears to have picked up where Klopp left off all be it without the trophies at this early stage of the season. Liverpool's impressive form has seen them lead the Premier League table by five points after 11 games.

READ MORE: I'd be embarrassed if I was Alisson Becker - Caoimhin Kelleher Liverpool treatment isn't fair

READ MORE: 'We all see what Klopp did' - David Coote defended as national media react to Liverpool controversy

The Reds have been further boosted by the poor form of title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City who have looked far from their best so far this season. So is the league now Liverpool's to lose? Writers at the Liverpool Echo have had their say below...

Isaac Seelochan

It's hard to see how Liverpool will be able to keep up this form but many would have said the same about Bayer Leverkusen last season. The German club under Xabi Alonso went unbeaten until losing the Europa League final as they eased to a first Bundesliga title and a German Cup.

That will be hard to replicate in the Premier League and the Reds have already lost a game this season, but what if that loss to Forest ends up being their only defeat? They've already faced tricky fixtures against Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brighton.

They still have to face Manchester City home and away, but that no longer looks as daunting with Pep Guardiola's side losing their last four games whilst not looking convincing all season. We are already well into the 2024/25 campaign and with rivals nowhere near their top level, this is a title race which Slot's team are now favourites to win.

Isaac Johnson

There is such a long way to go, but there is also such a lot for Liverpool fans to get excited about. Arne Slot's team has been playing immensely yet most analysts believe the side has another gear in them - despite losing just one game so far.

There seems to be more of a control in pressurised situations; Liverpool were only 1-0 up for most of the match against Aston Villa, yet never looked on edge or erratic and seemed assured throughout before the second went in. The Reds have only conceded six times in their 11 Premier League matches so far, the best record in the division by four goals.

And while the long-time stars of the team keep producing, others are stepping up. Cody Gakpo looks revitalised, Curtis Jones has elevated his game and Ryan Gravenberch has evolved so much that he is like a new signing. Even Kostas Tsimikas is pushing for a regular starting spot.

Liverpool's second league fixture back after the international break is against Manchester City, where a win could see the gap open to eight points, should both teams win their first match back. But even then there's a long way to go, and the longer those three contract situations persist, the more that becomes an unwanted sideshow distraction. Their biggest threat could be themselves..

Kieran King

Liverpool are the favourites to win the Premier League this season, there is no doubt about that. The Reds have enjoyed a fine start to the season, winning nine and drawing one of their 11 matches. They are five points ahead of second-place Manchester City and nine above Chelsea in third and Arsenal in fourth.

Although there is still 28 matches and 84 points to play for, it does feel like the Premier League title is Liverpool's to lose at this stage. Yes, City are capable of going on a blistering winning run that could see them overtake the Reds, but without Rodri and an out-of-sorts Erling Haaland, I can't see it.

Considering this is Arne Slot's first season in charge, not many Liverpool fans foresaw this sort of start to the season but they are now in a position to go and win their second Premier League title. I think the Reds will now go on and do it, despite predicting Arsenal back in August.

James Quinlan

The table might tell you otherwise but Liverpool can never be favourites for the Premier League title. Not as long as Manchester City are in the picture.

That is just the brutal reality that not only they under Jurgen Klopp but Arsenal in recent seasons too have discovered over the course of a 38-game campaign.

It is still only mid-November after all, and only three months ago many would have been hopeful of a top-four finish and maybe a piece of silverware under the new head coach. Projections say Arne Slot has exceeded expectations in this regard and may they turn out to be correct, but they will always be underdogs to any team of Pep Guardiola’s and must embrace that status if they are going to topple English football’s current superpower.

There is certainly the potential and ability within the squad to do so, but sitting in top spot with five-point gap to second at this stage is just an unprecedented start to the season - we can dream but keep our heads at the same time.

Stephen Killen

Liverpool are in a superb position going into the final weeks of 2024, onFly the most optimistic fans would have expected Arne Slot to have such success so early on. While being top of the table going into another international break is positive, over the years, the Reds have been in this position far too many times for it not to conclude with a happy ending.

Memories of the 2020 Premier League triumph are still prevalent after Jurgen Klopp's juggernauts but with mishaps in the title race thereafter, albeit some not all Liverpool's fault, it's hard to truly believe until the final whistle is blown.

Now, Liverpool have looked good this season but not without problems and there are plenty more problems to come. What's around the corner is anyone's guess but with Arsenal and Manchester City enduring a blip, it's only a matter of time before the new head coach faces his biggest problems yet, when they arise.

There are more important matters for Liverpool and Slot over the coming months, while you would snap someone's hand off for the Premier League title, for a debut season in England's top-flight, a competitive campaign and silverware would more than suffice. A 20th top-flight crown would be the icing on the cake.