Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool's performances in the opening 10 Premier League games have created 'great hope' for the remainder of the season.

The Reds legend was encouraged by the manner with which Jürgen Klopp’s side claimed a 4-2 victory from a tricky contest at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

That win – the team’s seventh of the campaign – ensured Carragher’s former club maintained pace with leaders Arsenal and Manchester City on 23 points.

“To be that close to the top of the table gives you great hope going forward,” he said.

“The intensity in their play with the ball and the way they close people down is reminiscent of a couple of years ago, that season with Brendan Rodgers.

“That’s what almost took Liverpool to the title – that extra energy and intensity, people closing down, fast football.

“Alan Pardew and the players have said they are the best team they have come up against this season. Some of the football was fantastic.”

The Eagles twice levelled at Selhurst Park but Liverpool showed the character to take the lead a third time, before sealing the result through a second-half fourth from Roberto Firmino.

Carragher added: “Crystal Palace away, you’re not playing one of the big boys but it’s one of those games that you look at as a player or a fan and think you can easily lose there or draw and drop points.

“To go there and win so emphatically probably sent a message – everyone watching and thinking ‘they are the real deal’.”