Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has fired a subtle title warning to Liverpool after Pep Guardiola's side fell five points off the Reds' pace following a shock defeat to Norwich City on Saturday.
The Canaries stunned the reigning champions as they ran out 3-2 winners, having flown into a 2-0 lead inside 30 minutes.
Sergio Aguero halved the defecit for Man City as the Argentine scored on the stroke of half time, but Guardiola's men were unable to emulate Liverpool's earlier comeback win over Newcastle United as Teemu Pukki put Norwich 3-1 up in the 50th minute.
De Bruyne, who started on the bench, was brought on to help salvage the situation but despite a late consolation strike from Rodri, City were unable to find an equaliser.
Following the shock defeat at Carrow Road, the Belgian international warned: "Last season we were seven points behind – it happens.
"Of course we want to win every game but it is difficult. You have to respect the other team and when they do well. They do well and that is it.
"It will be tough, the next seven months, like last year. It never stops. It is our job and sometimes it is hard but you have to take it on the chin.
"We lost four games out of 38 last season and that is a good record. We can still win this season with the same points at the end of this season."
After defeating Newcastle 3-1 at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp's team now sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Both sides will be in action this week as the Champions League group stages get underway.
Keep up to date with the latest Liverpool news HERE as Reds travel to Napoli
Liverpool will travel to Naples to face Napoli on Tuesday, followed by a trip to Stamford Bridge as the Reds look to extend their winning streak against Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Guardiola's outfit will make the journey to Ukraine for their clash with Shakhtar Donetsk, before returning home to host Watford.
