Trent Alexander-Arnold fires James Maddison message after giving Liverpool 'real' title boost
Latest Liverpool news and rumours as Premier League title rivals Man City lose to Tottenham Hotspur, with comment from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gary Neville following
When Liverpool return to Premier League action on Sunday against Southampton, they will be playing for the prize of moving eight points clear at the top of the table. That is thanks to Manchester City's latest slip-up in a rapidly-evolving race.
Arne Slot may not have expected his side to take command of the Premier League so quickly after his arrival. The reality of the situation is that the trophy could soon become the Reds' to lose if results continue to go their way.
Tottenham battered Man City into submission on their own turf on Saturday night, marking five consecutive defeats in all competitions for the reigning champions.
If Liverpool beat their opponents this afternoon, their five-point advantage becomes eight. Arsenal had defeated Nottingham Forest earlier on Saturday but the gap to Mikel Arteta's challengers could extend back to nine.
With that said, the ECHO takes a look at some of the latest Liverpool news and gossip that have cropped up alongside these latest on-field events.
The hero for Tottenham in Manchester was James Maddison. Reinstated to the starting line-up after two matches on the bench, the midfielder netted a first-half brace to set the Londoners on the path to victory.
Coincidentally, it was the Spurs man's 28th birthday, so it was a very fine day for him in the end. Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold later took to Instagram to wish his England team-mate a happy birthday.
Whilst he refrained to mention the assist Saturday's result gave the Reds in the unfolding title race, the injured full-back will be quietly hoping his club team-mates can do the business and capitalise against Southampton.
If they manage to, Gary Neville has suggested that Liverpool have a 'real, real chance' of breaking Man City's dominant streak as champions of England.
No team has managed to over the previous four seasons though the former Manchester United captain seems worried not even Guardiola can bring his team back from their current lack of confidence and ability.
On commentary duty for Sky Sports, he said: "I'm sure Liverpool's players, coaches, fans will be watching this - and Arsenal's to an extent - thinking 'we have a real, real chance here'. In the past they [Man City] were always up against it, this just feels very, very different."