Liverpool look like a side who can win the title. They have flaws like every title contender, as Richard Jolly pointed out in Saturday's report from Anfield, but at the moment their sensational array of attacking talent is making a serious case for them lifting the trophy at the end of the season.
Despite the impressive performances from the likes Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, one player has in recent weeks affirmed his role as the man who makes Liverpool tick. That is Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazilian midfielder scored a brilliant goal in the 2-1 win over West Brom that demonstrated a wicked combination of control and accuracy.
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In an advanced role, Coutinho can influence a game and terrorise defenders. The way he switches the ball between his feet with ease is probably only matched by Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, another South American.
In last week’s 0-0 draw at home to Manchester United, he started the game as part of a midfield three and was as quiet as the Liverpool team in general. But when Adam Lallana came on in the second half, pushing Coutinho into the front three, the transformation in Liverpool was instantaneous.
Coutinho became the player through which almost every play started and United were lucky to survive the last half hour.
Criticism of the Brazilian in the past has mostly been about his consistency — he is prone to long runs of games without goals. But then again he previously played in sides where the likes of Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling had a more dominant role and Coutinho was the supporting act.
His talent has never been in doubt, so what Liverpool need to worry about now is his fitness. Towards the end of last season, Jurgen Klopp had to manage the Brazilian’s game time with Liverpool playing twice a week most weeks during their run to the Europa League final.
He missed two three-week spells of action with injury, and the fear for Liverpool this season must be that if the Brazilian gets hurt again, they go from a sensational attacking force to just a very good one. It could cost them a shot at the title.
Stoke have a superstar in the making
On the subject of diminutive midfielders, there was another star performance on Saturday. Xherdan Shaqiri’s double for Stoke City gave them a 2-0 win at Hull City.
The Swiss midfielder has the talent to play for any of the Premier League’s top clubs, but he doesn’t put it together often enough.
That inconsistency was why Bayern Munich let him go, but when he is on form, he can decide a game on his own.
He scored the goal of euro 2016, a spectacular scissors kick, for Switzerland against Poland, and a fantastic 25-yard screamer against Hull.
It’s bizarre that he hasn’t scored more goals in the Premier League — only three in 27 games last season.
The way he has started this campaign — three in five — is a sign he could get close to matching his best tally of nine in 2011/12 with Basel.
It’s also a reason why Stoke never needed to worry about relegation, despite a poor start to the season.
Burnley home form will keep them up
The season is still young, but Burnley are demonstrating the kind of home form that saves teams from relegation.
They have taken 10 points from a possible 18 at home, in contrast to not a single point on the road.
They haven’t conceded more than once at home in 19 games and have already beaten Liverpool and Everton at Turf Moor.
It’s a positive sign in contrast to the likes of Hull (one home win), Swansea (one win overall) and Sunderland (winless).
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