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Souness backs 'slightly pragmatic' Liverpool for Premier League title

An improved defence has improved the Reds' credentials.

Former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness believes manager Jurgen Klopp's pragmatism will end the club's 29-year wait for the title.

The Reds currently lead Manchester City by four points at the top of the Premier League and, despite their 4-3 aberration at home to Crystal Palace last weekend, have the best defensive record in the top flight.

That is a departure from last season, when a thrilling attacking approach also led to them leaking damaging goals.

This time around just 13 goals conceded in 23 matches has lifted Klopp's side into pole position to lift the title for the first time since 1990.

"As well as being a great watch, Liverpool are a pretty pragmatic team as well," Souness, who won five championships as a player for the club, told liverpoolfc.com.

"They are a pretty strong outfit when they're not dominant, they're still capable of winning games. That makes them a dangerous team.

"It makes you league champions when you can win games without being at your best.

"I've got a sneaky feeling Liverpool will win it this year because of the slightly pragmatic way they can play at times.

The signing of Alisson Becker has had a major impact for Liverpool this season
The signing of Alisson Becker has had a major impact for Liverpool this season (Martin Rickett/PA)

"I don't think they've been like that in the past; it was all about winning a game 3-0 instead of just 1-0.

"You wouldn't want to swap their place for anyone else, you'd far prefer to be four points ahead.

"If you can, keep that four-point advantage and it's first to blink really, in the long-term.

"It's not theirs to lose, there's a long way to go and City are a really good team.

"Just keep your nerve and treat the next game as the most important one, don't look too far ahead."

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5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
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17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


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