Monday 30 November 2015 15:37, UK
Can Liverpool and Tottenham continue their impressive recent form and mount a sustained push for the Premier League title?
That was the topic of discussion in the Super Sunday studio as Alan Smith and special guest Dean Ashton assessed the state of affairs at the top of the table following the latest round of top-flight fixtures.
After 14 rounds of games, just six points separates leaders Manchester City with Liverpool in sixth place, with no side able to stamp their authority on the title race.
And, asked whether Tottenham - whose goalless draw with Chelsea extended their unbeaten league run to 13 games - and Liverpool could go all the way and win the title, former West Ham and Norwich striker Ashton said: "Absolutely.
"I think Tottenham and Liverpool will both be quietly confident that they can certainly look towards the title. Away from that they are both real contenders for the top four this season.
"We've all been excited with the Premier League so far this season and it could so easily be the closest it's been in the history of the league, it's been that type of season."
Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Swansea on Sunday - Jurgen Klopp's first league victory at Anfield - ensured the Reds remained firmly in the chase for honours and Champions League qualification.
The Merseysiders' adaptation to life under Klopp has been seamless, with the German navigating tough away trips to Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City in his first six league games as Liverpool manager.
And, with the Reds having played all of last season's top five clubs away from home already, Smith feels they have as good a chance as anyone.
"It is still early days relatively isn't it and Klopp is trying to implement his methods and he's doing it pretty quickly and successfully," he told Super Sunday.
"He's a man that players will run through a brick wall for but he seems to be able to get them onside quickly, he has got that charisma.
"So things are building at Liverpool. Why can't they win the title?
"As we get in the New Year things may spread out a little bit and it might not be such a close race, but I think it will stay tight and the title will be keenly contested right until the end. Anything can happen."
