Liverpool remain “the team to beat in the Premier League” despite theirhumbling 7-2 defeat at Aston Villa, says Michael Owen.

The defending champions were put to the sword in spectacular styleduring their most recent outing.

Alarming defensive flaws were exposed by a buoyant Villa side, with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Ross Barkley and Jack Grealish running riot.

  It is not the first time this season that Jurgen Klopp’s side have looked vulnerable in defence, with questions being asked of a system that favours a risky high line approach.

Tweaks may be made on the back of a remarkable reversal in the West Midlands that saw Liverpool swept aside by a team that only just scraped clear of the relegation zone in 2019-20.

Klopp has shown in the past that he is capable of fixing any supposed faults in his ranks, with his Reds side becoming a dominant force as a result.

Stamford Bridge has taken in a busy summer of transfer activity in 2020.

The arrivals lounge has seen plenty of footfall, with the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell drafted in.

Frank Lampard is now looking to get bodies out of west London, allowing him to free up further space and funds in his squad.

Barkely has formed part of that process, with the England international playmaker heading to Villa Park.

Trevor Sinclair believes that agreement could pave the way for Chelsea to step up their interest in Rice.