The Christmas leaders who bounced back from humiliation

When Liverpool lost 7-2 to Aston Villa on 4 October, their ability to defend the Premier League title they won in such style in 2019-20 was questioned.

But by scoring seven goals of their own against Crystal Palace on Saturday, they underlined their status as favourites.

Their performance at Selhurst Park was an ominous one for those rivals who would like to think they can capitalise on the season’s unusual circumstances to mount a challenge – and who would like to prevent the Reds from winning back-to-back titles for the first time since 1984.

A piece of Christmas history but ‘season is not finished’

Liverpool is now the first side to spend three consecutive Christmases on top of the English league since they achieved the feat from 1978 to 1980.

And the stats make good reading for the Reds – 11 out of the past 15 sides leading the way on 25 December have gone on to win the title.

Liverpool have a five-point lead at the summit of the table after Everton’s win over Arsenal on Saturday.

Manager Jurgen Klopp, though, indicated that this was no time to be getting over-excited.

“I don’t feel satisfaction – I am happy in the moment absolutely because it was a top game but at a time like this it makes no sense to be over the moon about something,” said Klopp.

“The season is not finished. There are a few games to come but we will be ready.”

Klopp is a much happier manager now than he was after that cold October night in the West Midlands.

After the shock defeat by Villa, he said his side had “lost the plot”.

Liverpool became the first reigning champions to concede seven goals in a league game since Sunderland beat Arsenal 7-1 in September 1953.

But since the embarrassment at Villa Park, Klopp’s side have marched up the table. Their phenomenal attacking display at Selhurst Park was a significant statement of intent.

They don’t have the 10-point cushion they enjoyed on Christmas Day 2019 – and Tottenham could reduce their lead to three points when they face Leicester on Sunday. But Liverpool’s lead does mean their rivals are already playing catch-up.