On Monday night, Premier League leaders Liverpool drew 1-1 with West Ham to extend their lead at the top of the table to three points over reigning champions Manchester City. Despite the point, there seems to be a feeling of deflation about the Reds.
After seemingly relentless form, Jurgen Klopp’s side has now drawn their last two Premier League games against mid-table teams. The leaders have not been at their energetic best, with the likes of Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Saleh uncharacteristically quiet in the draws.
The third part of the Reds dynamic front three Sadio Mane has scored in both the recent draws but he has not looked as dangerous as he did at the start of the campaign. The theory that if the front three are kept quiet then Liverpool have little else is starting to look valid.
Liverpool simply ran out of ideas against the Hammers, much to the frustration of boss Jurgen Klopp and the clubs fans.
It would not be a massive surprise to see Liverpool let a big lead at the top of the table slip through their fingers. They have a history of losing title race when out in front, with the most recent back in 2014, when the Reds throw away a four-point lead with three games to go.
However, Liverpool have seemed like a stronger team this season than their 2014 counterparts. They have been strong in defence and attack until recently. The next few weeks of the campaign will be a massive test of the Reds resolve.
They were always going to go through a sticky period in the campaign and let us not forget that Liverpool have only drawn two games, it is not as if they have suffered two defeats.
What the draws have done is give reigning champions Manchester City the chance to go top of the table when they visit Liverpool’s neighbours Everton on Wednesday night. It will then be down to the Merseysiders to respond and show if they really have the mental strength to become champions.