Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that his side's Premier League title chances may already be over due to the early-season form of Manchester City.
The Citizens have dropped points just once in the first nine rounds of matches, continuing their impressive run with a convincing 3-0 win over Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
City, who boast a perfect 11 straight victories in all competitions, are now five points clear at the top of the division and a further seven in front of eighth-placed Liverpool.
Klopp has urged his Reds players to keep going in the hope of closing the margin at the summit, though, with seven months of the season still left to play.
"If you ask, 'Is the race already done?' City are so strong, flying along at the top of the table... Maybe this race is decided already. I haven't a clue," he told reporters.
"But there is still a lot to get in this league and to play for, especially for us. We have improved as well since last year, that is how it is. Perhaps not too much in the results, but in creating moments, chances.
"A lot of better things than last year, but so far we have not taken the results. If we stay convinced about our way and bring in consistency from what we've had performance-wise so far, then we can have our best season. That is the next step. We can build on this base."
Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon, looking for a third win in nine outings.
