Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer believes Liverpool could run away with the Premier League title this season due to Manchester City's leaky defence.
Liverpool opened up an eight-point lead over their rivals this weekend thanks to a last-minute 2-1 win over Leicester City.
City, by contrast, were beaten 2-0 at the Etihad by Wolves, with their defensive frailties once again on show.
Aymeric Laporte's knee injury, coupled with a lack of a replacement for Vincent Kompany has left Pep Guardiola short of options at the back.
With John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane and Benjamin Mendy all also missing at the weekend, a depleted City were stunned by their Midlands opponents.
Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho were left exposed for both of Adama Traore's goals, with Wolves winning the ball and breaking quickly on the counter.
City's defence is an issue that many have pointed to and it remains a conundrum for Guardiola to work out how to protect his vulnerable backline.
It's that porous backline that has led Shearer to believe that Liverpool could run away with the Premier League title to claim their first domestic triumph in 30 years, ending a two-year spell of dominance from City.
Writing in his column for The Sun, Shearer said: "With less than a quarter of the season gone, we know that it is too early to say City's title challenge is over.
"It won't be plain-sailing for Jurgen Klopp's side, who have plenty of tests to come, but they look well placed and will have learned from last year.
"City are by no means out of the title race but Guardiola desperately needs his defenders back.
"And if they cannot sort themselves out defensively, then the Premier League title will be heading to Liverpool."
