Liverpool moved further clear at the top of the Premier League table after a convincing win over Leicester on Boxing Day.
The Reds had a golden opportunity to reassert their dominance over the rest of the league following Chelsea’s loss against Fulham earlier in the day.
And despite an early wobble, Liverpool cleared another hurdle to increase the gap to seven points.
Nobody in the Liverpool squad or indeed within the fanbase will be getting carried away, but it’s hard to argue that the Reds are not now strong favourites from here.
A seven point lead over Chelsea with a game still in their pocket is a dream position for Liverpool to be in heading into the New Year.
And according to former Reds striker Michael Owen, Liverpool will now take some stopping in the Premier League title race.
Michael Owen delivers Liverpool title verdict
Liverpool weren’t at their best for much of the first-half against Leicester, but an improved second-half display got the job done.
On a day where Chelsea stumbled again, nothing but a win would have done for the Reds. Thankfully, they were able to stroll home in the end.
And speaking to premierleague.com after the final whistle, Owen suggested that Liverpool are now a virtual shoo-in to lift a second league title in six seasons.
“When I look at the league table I’d be astonished if Liverpool don’t go on to win it now,” said the pundit.
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“I think their only danger could be Arsenal. I don’t fancy Chelsea, I think they’re too young, too inexperienced. Forest are having a great season but they can’t sustain that. Newcastle, too far behind even though they’re coming into good form at the moment. Bournemouth, they can’t challenge either.
“So, for me it’s Arsenal and Arsenal only in terms of dangers to them now, but I think they’re only a danger to themselves aren’t they, the way they’re playing. Unless they implode themselves and have a Man City moment it looks like they’re streaking clear.”
Liverpool must keep feet on the ground
There’s no question that this season is shaping up to be an exceptional one for Liverpool. But supporters will still be scarred from years gone by, too.
The Reds have been top at Christmas on six previous occasions and gone on to win the league only once in that time.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 17 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 40 | 17 | 23 | 42 |
| 2 |  ChelseaChelsea | 18 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 38 | 21 | 17 | 35 |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 18 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 24 | 19 | 5 | 34 |
| 4 |  ArsenalArsenal | 17 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 34 | 16 | 18 | 33 |
This year does feel different in the fact that Man City are no longer in the mix. Liverpool are now an amazing 14 points clear of Pep Guardiola’s team with a game in hand to boot.
Nevertheless, as Owen points out, Arsenal are still incredibly dangerous. The Gunners will likely cut Liverpool’s lead to six points on Friday and there is still such a long way to go.
Game by game, though, if the Reds keep winning, they will back their rivals to let the pressure get to them and slip up sooner or later. It’s right there for Liverpool this season.
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