Arsenal, Man City double header tests Liverpool's new tag as title favourites

Halfway towards ending a 29-year wait to win the Premier League, the next seven days will test Liverpool's title credentials to the fullest, starting with Arsenal's visit to Anfield on Saturday.

For a long time a new year visit to Manchester City on January 3 had the makings of a title decider, but Liverpool now have margin for error with a six-point lead at the top of the table.

Tottenham are Liverpool's closest challengers with City slipping down to third and seven points adrift after three defeats in their last four league games.

That is more than the six points Liverpool have dropped all season so far as Jurgen Klopp's men remain unbeaten.

"What we said as well is that we want to create our own history. We are the first Liverpool team in the Premier League to be unbeaten in 19 matches -- a little history and a nice step," said Klopp after a 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle on Boxing Day.

Much more significant history awaits, particularly if Liverpool are still unbeaten come the end of a frantic festive period.

"We have to win our games, we have to be focused, we need to be really in the mood with having tunnel vision," added Klopp.

"That's really important and then we will see where it leads us."
"We have big character in the squad. If you want to be at the top, you need to have the winning mentality and the calmness."
- Don't forget 'how good we are' -
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"The reality is we have lost three in four games and the last two. If you want to be real contenders you have to win again. If you don't, it will not be possible."
"We need to prepare not only physically but also our minds to be strong because it's going to be tough to compete in the second half of the season."