“Good as it [Liverpool’s defence] has been so far – with respect – they have not come up against a team of Spurs’ quality yet, nor a striker of Harry Kane’s class. He tortured Liverpool in this fixture a year ago, forcing a defensive substitution when Dejan Lovren was withdrawn before half-time,” Carragher wrote in his Telegraph column.
“Klopp has changed the back five since, with only Joe Gomez likely to play on Saturday having started a year ago, and fitness and form-permitting the defensive line-up Liverpool have now could remain intact for the next 10 years. That does not mean there is no reason to be cautious.
“Although he played at right-back a year ago, since assuming his favoured position Gomez has been likened to Bobby Moore and Rio Ferdinand. This is stupidly premature, over the top praise. Gomez could become a top player, but to get there he will need to overcome sterner tests than Selhurst Park and the King Power Stadium.
“Klopp will have studied the records. He will know – as a rule – teams do not win the league unless they go through the season having, on average, conceded less than one goal a game. Ideally, you want to concede less than 30 goals over 38 games. Liverpool have not managed that since 2009, when finishing second.
“Last season’s winners Manchester City are lauded for their attacking strength. They won 100 points and scored 106 goals. We should remember they conceded only 27 in the Premier League, too, fewer than any other team.
“A brilliant strikeforce will win plenty of games and admirers, but you cannot win the title without a strong defence.”