Wednesday 19 September 2018 10:06, UK
Liverpool look like a "different animal" this season, Neil Lennon told The Debate, after they recovered from letting a two-goal lead slip to beat PSG 3-2 in the Champions League.
Jurgen Klopp's side went 2-0 in front against the Ligue 1 champions thanks to Daniel Sturridge's header and a James Milner penalty, only for Thomas Meunier to reply before half-time and Kylian Mbappe to level in the 83rd minute after a subdued second half.
However, substitute Roberto Firmino proved to be the match-winner with a stoppage-time goal, handing Liverpool all three points in their opening Group C game.
Having let a 3-0 lead slip at Sevilla last season, Lennon says Tuesday's win over PSG proved Liverpool are on another level this campaign.
"Psychologically it's a huge win for Liverpool," Lennon told The Debate. "To make those changes and still come out on top against PSG, who are flying, that will set them in good stead.
"They're a totally different animal from last year, where they were 3-0 up in Seville and it ended 3-3. I know it was 3-2 tonight, but they don't look as open as they have done.
"They are in a very good place at the minute. We've seen how devastating they are but with Van Dijk and Alisson in there they've added the missing parts of the jigsaw to be a complete team.
"In terms of winning the Premier League and Champions League, it's a big ask, but they've improved a lot."
Klopp opted to start Sturridge at Anfield with Firmino having suffered an eye injury during Saturday's win at Tottenham.
The move paid off for Klopp, with Sturridge heading in the opener before Firmino contributed with the winner from the bench - a positive indication of their squad depth, according to Liam Rosenior.
"If you're looking at winning a Champions League or Premier League, you want strength in depth, and Sturridge will be a key part of that this year," Rosenior said.
"He looked lighter and fresher in pre-season. Maybe he's gone away on loan and seen Liverpool playing in the Champions League final and said, 'You know what, I want to be part of the Liverpool squad', and what's in his favour is his ability as a player has never been in doubt.
"It's just whether he can maintain his form and stay fit. If he stays fit, they've got another striker who two or three years ago we were talking about being absolutely world class, almost winning the title."
Meanwhile, Chelsea Women's manager Emma Hayes stressed that while it is a big ask for Liverpool to target a Premier League and Champions League double, they remain in the "driving seat" after a perfect start.
She said: "It's a tall ask considering it's on the back of a World Cup year, but it has been a great start for Liverpool and ultimately they are in the driving seat.
"A 100 per cent record, they've got Mane firing and at the moment Salah is not at his best, but that's to come, as well as the new signings to fit into the puzzle.
"Liverpool winning the league should be a priority and while it's a big ask, winning the Champions League on top of that is incredibly difficult to do."
