Liverpool’s new-found patience is proof Klopp’s side has learned key title race lesson, insists Wright

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believes Liverpool have learned an important lesson in their quest for the Premier League title.

The Reds are currently top of the Premier League table, six points clear of defending champions Manchester City, and looking to win a top-flight trophy for the first time in 29 years.

Liverpool’s title credentials: Five things to know…

• Liverpool currently sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
• The Reds have won nine of their 10 games, drawing only against Manchester United.
• Jurgen Klopp’s men came from behind to beat Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
• Ian Wright believes the patience Liverpool showed proves they have learned from last season’s title race.
• The Reds finished second last season with 97 points, having drawn seven games.

Jurgen Klopp’s men came agonisingly close to ending their title drought last season, finishing just one point behind Man City with 97 points, a record tally for a team not to win the English top-flight.

Liverpool’s second-placed finish came despite them losing just one game, to Man City in January, three fewer than the eventual champions. Their demise came through seven draws, five more than Man City.

This season Liverpool have drawn just once in their 10 Premier League games so far, winning the other nine. Their latest win came against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday despite going into half-time behind, before goals from Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah secured all three points.

Although Salah’s winner came from the penalty spot, the opportunity arose due to constant pressure from Liverpool, and Wright has praised Klopp’s side for their patience in getting the win.

“It was a massive win for Liverpool, because they knew they could not afford to drop any more points after drawing with Manchester United last week,” Wright told BBC Sport.

“What impressed me most about Liverpool is their patience and the fact that, after their near-miss last season, they know what it takes now to win the title.

“They know draws are not good enough for them now, they have to go for the win – and this time they found another way of getting it.”

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Crouch: Liverpool’s adaptation bodes well for title challenge

In search of their winner, Liverpool proceeded to launch an all-out assault on Spurs’ defence, with Trent Alexander-Arnold enjoying a particularly good game in attack.

The 21-year-old sent a total of 11 crosses towards Spurs’ box and created seven chances, more than any other player in the Premier League this weekend.

But former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch believes the Reds aren’t reliant on just one style of play.

He said: “Sometimes that way of playing can become predictable and teams can find a way of stopping you – like United last week, and Spurs in the first half on Sunday.

“But when that happens, Liverpool just find another way of playing and another way to win the game. It bodes well for their title challenge that they keep on doing it.”