The Reds were 1-0 winners against Everton in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Monday night after Sadio Mane scored an added-time winner to secure three points.
Liverpool have managed to stay within touching distance of Chelsea in the title race despite the absence of Philippe Coutinho, Joel Matip and Daniel Sturridge in recent weeks.
Chelsea are still six points clear of Jurgen Klopp’s side after 17 games thanks to 11 successive Premier League victories ahead of their home clash against Bournemouth on Boxing Day.
Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante sat out the visit of the Cherries after the influential pair served a one-game suspension after picking up five yellow cards so far this term.While Murphy believes the Premier League leaders are reliant on Costa and Eden Hazard, the ex-Liverpool midfielder pointed out that Klopp is able to survive without some of his key players.
“What I like about them this season is that, while none of the players has reached the standard Luis Suarez achieved when they nearly won the title in 2014, the team does not seem to suffer too much when individuals are missing,” Murphy told the Evening Standard.
“Philippe Coutinho has missed the past three League games due to injury and while Liverpool have taken only five points, the performances have generally been good.
“Other players had good seasons in 2013-14 but Suarez was a class apart, winning matches virtually on his own. This season, everyone is contributing. Just look through the team. Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson. All play key roles.
“Chelsea are not the same without Eden Hazard or Diego Costa. Manchester City are not as threatening without Sergio Aguero. While I tipped Chelsea for the title, I believe Liverpool can stay in the race until the end, especially with no European football to worry about.”
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