With the highest expected goals in Premier League history and the joint-highest shots on goal this season, Liverpool are clicking into gear and developing into serious title challengers.
A busy summer transfer window, where they effectively rebuilt their midfield after the departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, meant manager Jurgen Klopp probably did not expect his side to be top of the table on the opening day of 2024.
But, after only one defeat in their opening 20 games, they are.
A 4-2 win over Newcastle in a relentless and chaotic game, amid the wild rain and wind at Anfield, leaves Liverpool with a three-point lead over second-placed Aston Villa.