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Liverpool 's 6-1 victory over Watford saw Jurgen Klopp's side climb to the top of the Premier League table for the first time since May 2014.

The last time they led the league was after the 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, a stalemate which all but extinguished their hopes of pipping Manchester City to the title.

Here ECHO Sport rates how that table-topping Liverpool XI fared during the 2013-14 season against the performances of the Reds team who climbed above Chelsea following last weekend's victory.

Goalkeeper:

Simon Mignolet vs Loris Karius

Simon Mignolet made an impressive start to his career on Merseyside, saving a penalty on his league debut. But the Belgian keeper often looked indecisive and he made several errors. The 50 league goals he conceded in 2013/14 contributed to Liverpool's cavalier approach at Selhurt Park as they sought to close the gap on City.

Loris Karius has replaced Mignolet as Liverpool's number one and the former Mainz goalkeeper made a string of impressive saves against Watford. But the young German has kept only one Premier League clean sheet so far and some of his nervy performances did little to suggest he is a substantial upgrade on the Belgian. Better recently though.

Mignolet: 6/10

Karius: 6/10

Defenders

Glen Johnson vs Nathaniel Clyne

Glen Johnson's ability going forward was never in doubt. Quick and comfortable with either foot, Johnson popped up with a number of important goals during his six-year stay on Merseyside. But he rarely did much to allay well-founded fears over his defensive fragility.

Nathaniel Clyne has been one of Liverpool's most consistent performers since joining from Southampton. Following the arrival of Jurgen Klopp he has thrived with more attacking responsibility. He is an understated but vital part of the Reds machine, both going forward and defensively.

Johnson: 6/10

Clyne: 8/10

Mamadou Sakho vs Dejan Lovren

Mamadou Sakho made only 18 league appearances in the 2013/14 season as he struggled to convince supporters he was the commanding centre back many felt Liverpool needed. Alongside Skrtel at Selhurst Park the France international failed to show the defensive organisation required to help the Reds withstand Palace's late pressure.

Likewise, early in his Liverpool career Dejan Lovren looked a shadow of the player whose performances convinced Liverpool to pay £20m for his services. In the last 18 months, however, he has found his feet. And mistakes - the like of which we saw in this month's 4-2 win at Palace - have become the exception rather than the norm. Lovren missed the win at Watford through illness but has cemented his place at the heart of Klopp's back four.

Sakho: 6/10

Lovren: 7/10

Martin Skrtel v Joel Matip

A mainstay of the team, Martin Skrtel missed only two games for Liverpool during their tilt at the title. Though he was brave and effective inside his own box, the Slovakia international was error-prone and part of a fragile defensive unit which ensured Liverpool remained vulnerable despite their brilliance going forward.

Joel Matip joined Liverpool only in the summer but the signs so far are encouraging for Reds fans. Despite keeping only one league clean sheet so far, the former Schalke player has displayed the steel and class Liverpool have lacked at centre back since the retirement of Sami Hyypia. He also showed his importance at the other end of the pitch, netting the Reds' third in their 4-2 win at Palace.

Skrtel: 6/10

Matip: 8/10

Jon Flanagan v James Milner

Another local youngster off the Anfield production line, Jon Flanagan was tough and tireless for the Reds during the 2013/14. The young defender thrived after being thrust into first team action and proved a more than capable replacement for the injured Jose Enrique during the second half of the campaign. No-one will forget that goal at Spurs.

James Milner - a free transfer from Manchester City - was one the best signings of the Brendan Rodgers era. After an excellent first season playing across midfield, during which he registered more Premier League assists than David Silva, the 30-year-old has excelled as a converted left back under Klopp.

Flanagan: 7/10

Milner: 8/10

Midfielders

Steven Gerrard vs Jordan Henderson

Steven Gerrard went from Liverpool's all-action focal point to filling the quarterback role at the base of midfield. Question marks were rightly raised about the protection he provided Liverpool's back four. But he scored 13 league goals and his passing was crucial to the Reds' deadly counter attacks.

Like his predecessor, Jordan Henderson has moved further back through midfield as his career has progressed. Under Klopp Henderson has become a hugely effective holding midfielder. He uses his intelligence and energy to patrol in front the Reds' back four and keep Liverpool ticking over with the ball at his feet.

Gerrard: 9

Henderson: 8

Joe Allen vs Adam Lallana

Joe Allen played a variety of positions for Liverpool, displaying diligence and intelligence with and without the ball. Towards the end of the 2013- 2014 season, on one side of the Reds' midfield diamond, Allen offered balance to Rodgers' side and he scored the opener for the Reds at Selhurst Park.

Adam Lallana endured a difficult start to his career on Merseyside. His talent was never in doubt but Lallana struggled to impose himself on matches. But in the last 18 months the England midfielder has developed into one of the Reds' most influential players, linking midfield and attack with guile and Cruyff turns galore.

Allen: 7

Lallana: 9

Lucas Leiva vs Emre Can

Lucas Leiva started only seven games after Christmas after featuring for much of the early months of the 2013-14 season. At Selhurst Park the Brazilian filled in on the other side of the Reds' diamond following Henderson's red card vs City. He worked hard but Liverpool missed Henderson's energy and creativity during his suspension.

Following Jurgen Klopp's arrival, Emre Can was one of Liverpool's best performers last season in the absence of injured Henderson. But the form of Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum has meant the German has struggled for game time this season. He has featured in recent weeks, however, and he capped off an impressive display against Watford with his fifth goal for the club.

Lucas: 7/10

Can: 7/10

Forwards:

Raheem Sterling vs Philippe Coutinho

Raheem Sterling was a revelation as Liverpool pushed for the title under Brendan Rodgers. He had shown promise since breaking into the first team two years previously. But he became especially key for the Reds in 2013-14, particularly when deployed at the top of the diamond. His pace frightened defenders and he showed maturity beyond his years in front of goal.

(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Philippe Coutinho has dominated Liverpool's end of season awards over the last couple of years. But the Brazilian has hit new heights under Klopp this season, influencing games with a consistency which has previously deserted him to the frustration of many Kopites. Five goals and five assists in 11 Premier League games is evidence of his brilliance.

Sterling: 9/10

Coutinho: 9/10

Daniel Sturridge vs Sadio Mane

Daniel Sturridge has struggled with injuries throughout his Liverpool career. By November 2015 he had missed (73) more games than he had played (70) for the Reds. But when fit the England striker has been a constant source of goals for Liverpool. He scored 21 league goals during the 2013/14 season, forming a prolific partnership with Luis Suarez.

(Image: 2016 Getty Images)

Sadio Mane hit the ground running at Arsenal - with a brilliant solo goal on debut - and has barely stopped since. His pace has offered a new dimension to Liverpool's attack and, alongside Firmino and Coutinho, Mane has helped Liverpool become the most free-scoring side in the division.

Sturridge: 9/10

Mane: 8/10

Luis Suarez v Roberto Firmino

Luis Suarez developed from a wasteful genius to a deadly finisher in his three years at Liverpool. He netted 31 goals in 2013-14 - his most prolific season on Merseyside - leading from the front with a relentless work rate and ferocious competitiveness. He faded towards the end of the season but he had been nearly flawless for much of the campaign.

Like so many Premier League arrivals Roberto Firmino struggled for goals in the early months of his Liverpool career. But he has developed into one of the best all-round forwards in the division. The Brazilian is vital for Liverpool both in and out of possession - he is the first line of the counter press - and his performances are currently keeping Sturridge on the bench.

Suarez: 10/10

Firmino: 8/10

Managers:

Brendan Rodgers vs Jurgen Klopp

Brendan Rodgers came to Liverpool having won promotion with Swansea City and with a reputation for playing good football. In 2013/14 he showed his nous with a number of effective tactical tweaks to keep the Reds on track for the title until the end. But he did not have the experience of winning major trophies and ultimately he and Liverpool fell short.

Jurgen Klopp, by contrast, arrived on Merseyside having taken Borussia Dortmund to Bundesliga glory and a Champions League final. In his first full season in charge at Anfield he has shown himself capable of getting the best of his squad and inspiring supporters, daring them to dream once again.

Rodgers: 8/10

Klopp: 9/10

Totals

2013/14: 90/120

2016/17: 95/120