I don't see defending champions getting back in title race

Liverpool picked up an important win on Sunday, but I still don't see the defending champions getting back in the title race now.

Instead, their aim is probably the Champions League places, which is something they should have enough for with the ability in their squad.

Their game against West Ham was another that I watched for Match of the Day. After the Reds' run of form, they were at the stage where a good performance didn't matter because they just needed a good result.

As it turned out they got both. It was an important three points because Arne Slot was under pressure and he made a big call to leave Mohamed Salah out, but it worked out for him.

It was huge for Alexander Isak to score his first Premier League goal for Liverpool too. He's had to wait longer than he would have wanted for it, and the Liverpool fans have had to wait as well.

His goal against West Ham was a brilliant finish on the half-volley, and it was also a vital one because it changed the game

There is no doubt the quality is there with Isak, so it was hardly a surprise to see him put away such a clever strike like that.

It is just about him getting fully fit after missing most of pre-season and the team getting used to how he wants to play, and that is something he and Liverpool are still working on.

Read Shearer's full column here