Micah Richards believes Liverpool's defense is what gives it a great chance of winning the Premier League this season.

The Reds impressed once more on Sunday as they claimed a seventh win of the campaign with their 2-1 victory over Chelsea to remain top of the table, ensuring they remain a point ahead of reigning champions Manchester City and four ahead of title challengers Arsenal.

And despite failing to keep a clean sheet, Arne Slot's side still hold the crown for the best defense in the top flight - and by some mile too - having conceded just three goals in eight games.

The mainstay back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson have all performed admirably in front of first-choice goalkeeper Alisson for the majority of those games, leaving Richards to claim he has already seen enough from Liverpool's defensive unit to suggest it is well and truly in the title race.

Speaking on Sky Sports following Sunday's game at Anfield, the former player-turned-pundit said: "Liverpool are challengers now. Make no mistake about it.

"Chelsea was exceptional for periods in the game but the way Liverpool can adapt and see out games, the way they feed off the crowd, I really believe they have a chance to go all the way."

Richards added: "I think he's (Slot) brought a little bit of calmness. Defensively, Liverpool looks a lot more solid. The timing in which the defenders drop back and push up is a lot more balanced.

"You've always got players at the top of the pitch that can win you games but it's also about what you do defensively and that's why I believe they're challengers this season."

Liverpool's regular back five of Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk and Robertson aren't the only one's to thank for such an excellent defensive start to the campaign, however.

While neither are first-choice in their positions, it shows that Slot can still rely on them when called upon, proving that the options he has at hand are up for the challenge no matter what.

This helps to form part of the solid foundations needed for a title-winning side, where each player can fulfill the 'next man up' role whenever the opportunity presents itself. No matter who starts, they can be sure to do their job.