Paul Merson has pinpointed the reason for Liverpool dethroning Manchester City as champions as he backed the Reds to retain their crown.
Jurgen Klopp's side were presented with the Premier League trophy on Wednesday night at Anfield having earlier won the championship with seven games to spare to prevent City from claiming a hat-trick of titles.
While City are the Premier League's top scorers, Liverpool can boast the best defence - despite conceding 11 times since mathematically clinching their first championship since 1990.
And former Arsenal man Merson, now a Sky Sports pundit, has suggested that stingy back line can make the difference again next year.
"I'd be surprised if they didn't go on and do it again next season," he said.
"Manchester City are a brilliant team, make no mistake and they can blow anyone away on their day.
"But Liverpool are more consistent. They can win games when they are not playing well and City haven't been able to do that because their defence hasn't been as good."
Writing in his column for the Daily Star, Merson added: "It's shame Liverpool had to lift the Premier League trophy in front of an empty stadium at Anfield.
"I can remember the last time Liverpool won the title in 1990, because I was in the Arsenal side that did the same thing the following season.
"Back then you knew if you finished above Liverpool then you'd basically be champions. They were so dominant at that time.
"But I think their fans will definitely get the chance to celebrate a Premier League trophy presentation inside Anfield in the future, because this won't be the last time Liverpool win the title."
