Liverpool have made a strong start to the season, and currently sit just one point behind last term's champions Manchester City.
But former Red Michael Owen, who scored 118 Premier League goals for Liverpool between 1996 and 2004, believes Jürgen Klopp's side are still a long way short of challenging Man City for the crown this term.
"Well, outside of Man City, they've got as big a chance as anybody else," Owen tells FourFourTwo via AceOdds. "Arsenal are obviously an exceptional team, and are getting better and better. But Manchester City are the team to beat at the moment. I think it's fair to say that Liverpool did take a little dip.
VIDEO: What's Your Craziest Prediction For This Season?
"Man City have been pretty relentless in how good they've been and Liverpool were up there matching strides with them for years and years. But I do think it's fair to say in the last year or so, they've taken a step back and Man City have stolen the march on them."
Unlike City, Liverpool have had a major squad overhaul to contend with coming into the new campaign, especially in midfield. Experienced players such as captain Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departed in the summer, with new arrivals including Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo. Despite the changes, Owen has been impressed so far.
"They had a bit of a wobble, but I think they are back now playing good stuff," the former England striker says. "Whether it's good enough to be as good as Man City is probably doubtful just at the moment.
"But they're in a far better position than a lot of other teams. At the moment, a lot of other big teams are struggling away, and Liverpool are still in a relatively good place.
"As I say, whether it's good enough to be able to collect any trophies, time will tell. Man City are setting the bar high, but they are up there still.
"And I think if I was sending a message to Liverpool fans, it would be, 'Stay patient and keep the faith', because they're still competitive."
More Liverpool stories
Tottenham vs Liverpool: why was Luis Diaz's goal wrongly disallowed by VAR?
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp blasts 'unfair' and 'crazy' decisions in recent Premier League clash, while Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou admits he is not a fan of VAR.
And Klopp has suggested that the only fair outcome would be to replay the game against Spurs.
‘Scoring in a World Cup is like winning the title – can you imagine millions of people celebrating something you did? It’s insane and made me very proud’: Brazil legend explains how much 2002 goal meant to him
'He already had the ability but didn’t use it because he was afraid to shoot – I said, "You’re a player who has to decide games – you have to take risks, mate"': Liverpool star was forced to become confident by team-mates
