Phil Babb thinks that Liverpool beating Manchester City on New Year's Eve sent out a big message to title rivals Chelsea.

Liverpool edged out Pep Guardiola's men at Anfield after a first half header from Georginio Wijnaldum proved to be the difference between the sides.




As a result, despite Chelsea recording their 13th Premier League win in a row by beating Stoke City 4-2, they remain still just six points ahead of Liverpool.

With Chelsea having won before Liverpool kicked off against the Citizens, Babb thinks the Reds clearly responded to the Blues and set out a clear message of their intent to fight for the title.
 


"We are at the half way stage of the season and I think it was vital that we sent a message out to Chelsea", he said on LFC TV.

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"And also to the Arsenals, the Tottenhams.

"To turn Manchester City over says a lot about our intentions this season.

"We've beaten Chelsea, we've beaten Arsenal, we should have beaten Spurs.

"So we've had good results against all our title challengers", Babb added.

Liverpool welcome in 2017 by taking on struggling Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Monday, while Chelsea are next in action away against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, a game that will provide the Blues with another acid test.