EXCL: Caicedo bullet dodged for Liverpool? Plus the latest on new Alexander-Arnold contract, Bowen transfer links, and more

Our Liverpool FC writer's deep dive into this week's big stories.

Liverpool continue their strong start - could they emerge as the strongest challengers to Manchester City?

Liverpool’s start to the season has been very encouraging. After all the upheaval and the uncertainty of the summer, they have shown in the early weeks of the campaign that they have solved many of the issues we saw last season. The team is far better without the ball, it looks a lot more energetic and physically capable, and of course with the attacking options Jurgen Klopp has at his disposal, they will always score enough goals.

The West Ham win was a good one. The Hammers are a fine side and they played well at Anfield, but Liverpool were able to do what they struggled to do for much of the last 12 months, and ride out a bumpy period before coming on strong in the second half. That has been a theme this season, and one that will really please Klopp. 

And what a moment this was from Darwin Nunez - a superb finish from an equally brilliant pass by Alexis Mac Allister! [Pictures courtesy of Sky Sports]

In terms of being title challengers, it feels a little premature to be making such claims, but Liverpool have shown in recent years that when they do get a bit of momentum behind them, they are a team that can really cash in. They have momentum now, but their next two fixtures are away at Spurs and Brighton. If they can take four or six points from those two, then we can start thinking about Manchester City.

Right now, the good news is that a return to the top four looks very likely, and that was the key target at the start of the season.

Jarrod Bowen to Liverpool ship has probably sailed

Jarrod Bowen impressed with a goal for West Ham against Liverpool at the weekend, and he is a player Liverpool admire, and have done for some time.

He was looked at a couple of years ago, in particular, as a potential signing, and of course as a left-footer who plays on the right, and scores and creates at a decent rate, he’s certainly an option worth considering given the doubts over Mo Salah’s long-term future.