In his first game as Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp secured a goalless draw away at Tottenham Hotspur. Liverpool have failed to keep a clean sheet in the 12 away league fixtures against the ‘big six’ since.

For all the plaudits for the club’s improved defence – most of them warranted given recent performances – the moments of truth beckon. We will soon know how equipped their defence is to sustain a title challenge.

As well as Saturday’s trip to Wembley to play Spurs – a venue where Klopp’s team was humbled 4-1 a year ago – Liverpool head to Stamford Bridge, Napoli and Paris soon. Although Liverpool are getting better, it is too early to judge how good they are at the toughest away grounds.

Last season they conceded 15 goals in five away games at top-six rivals, including nine in two games at Manchester City and Tottenham. That return is never going to maintain a title bid.

I know many will counter this and say those two fixtures preceded the arrival of Virgil van Dijk, as well as an expensive goalkeeper. Van Dijk has shone against the majority of Premier League sides since he joined last January. But we still cannot ignore that with Van Dijk on board Liverpool were beaten at Manchester United and Chelsea, and even in victory against Roma in the Champions League semi-final the defence conceded four in the second leg.