Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has claimed that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will need to be given time to turn the Reds into challengers for the Premier League title.

Liverpool flexed their muscles in a 4-0 win over Arsenal before the international break, but the Merseyside outfit were thumped 5-0 at Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend.

The Reds were then held to a 2-2 draw by Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday night, leading to suggestions that Klopp will struggle to turn the former English champions into a title-winning team.

Merson, however, has insisted that "Liverpool should keep faith with Klopp" as the German continues to adapt to life in England.

"I like Jurgen Klopp. But let's not get carried away, Liverpool are where you'd expect them to be at the moment. I didn't expect them to win the league this season," Merson told Sky Sports News.

"Managers don't know everything about the Premier League after being here for a year-and-a-half - it will take Klopp time. I just think he's got it back to front at the moment. He's got his attack sorted, and the midfield to a certain extent, but the defence is some way off.

"That's good enough in Germany but not in the Premier League - just ask Pep Guardiola, who found himself out of the title race last season within no time. Liverpool should keep faith with Klopp. Two weeks ago he was the hero having wiped the floor with Arsenal.

"They got beat at Man City after going down to 10 men and then were held by Sevilla, who are not the worst team in the world. Liverpool will be there or thereabouts this season and they will entertain. The Premier League blew Guardiola away last season, Klopp will need time."

Liverpool will return to league action with a home game against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.