Steve Bruce admits Liverpool are “as good as you can get” after watching his Newcastle United side torn apart at Anfield.
The Reds continued their 100% start to the Premier League season with a 3-1 win over the Toon Army at Anfield on Saturday.
Newcastle had taken the lead through Jetro Willems in the seventh minute but ended well beaten with Sadio Mane scoring twice and Mohamed Salah once.
Only a string of second-half saves from goalkeeper Martin Dubravka kept the visitors in the game.
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And Newcastle boss Bruce said of Liverpool: “They are as good as you can get. You can understand why they haven't been beaten here in two-and-a-half years and are European champions.
“They are an excellent, excellent team. They have pace, creativity and at the top end of the pitch they can damage you. I knew it was going to be difficult, but in fits and starts we did okay.
“Can they win the league? They are going to be there or thereabouts. They only lost once last year and didn't win the league, it's quite unbelievable.
“They are a very, very good side which will cause any team problems. They are as good as you get. They are fantastic.”
Bruce admits Liverpool's second goal shortly before half-time was a key moment in the game, when Dubravka spilled substitute Roberto Firmino's throughball under pressure from Mane, who was then free to tap into the unguarded goal.
“We were okay in bits but unfortunately we have made a mistake for the second goal,” he said. “We are disappointed about that.
“When you get a start like we did, the first-half hour was crucial. Mane then scored a wonderful goal and there was the introduction of Firmino with his movement and the way he plays.
“When you come to an arena like this you know they will cut you open at times, but we have given the ball away in the middle of the pitch and I'm sure Martin when he looks at it will know he can do better. It was a crucial part of the game.”
