Liverpool head into the international break with 28 points from 11 games with City on 23 while Brighton and Hove Albion are in fourth place on 19 points.

Manchester City slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat after blowing the lead to lose 2-1 at Brighton, allowing Liverpool to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Manchester City slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat after blowing the lead to lose 2-1 at Brighton on Saturday, allowing Liverpool the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot insisted his Premier League leaders needed no motivation from Manchester City’s defeat at Brighton to beat Aston Villa and take a five-point lead into the international break.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot is not surprised by his team's fine start to the season, saying he was well aware of the strength of the side he was inheriting when he arrived at Anfield as Jürgen Klopp's successor.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot is not surprised by his team's fine start to the season, saying he was well aware of the strength of the side he was inheriting when he arrived at Anfield as Juergen Klopp's successor.