BBC pundit Garth Crooks claims Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker could be decisive in this season’s title race.

The Brazilian international made a number of outstanding saves to ensure the Reds secured a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon. The three points also moved Jurgen Klopp’s side to the top of the league and Crooks said Alisson will be pivotal if they are to stay there:

“Liverpool have somehow fought they way to the top with sheer grit and determination. Some pundits fancy Manchester City for the title, while others have gone for Arsenal and even Aston Villa think they’ve got a chance. However, I’m starting to lean towards Liverpool. They’ve got the right goalkeeper for it.”

Klopp’s men are a point above 2nd place Arsenal in the table as we near the halfway stage of the season, with Villa in third and City in fourth.

Liverpool were lucky to beat Palace and they had Alisson to thank

Looking at the xG from the match at Selhurst Park, Palace’s was 1.79, while Liverpool’s was only 1.37. It could be argued that the Eagles should have won the game 2-1, rather than the Reds, based on those figures.

However, when you have a world-class keeper between the sticks, it can be the deciding factor in tight matches. Alisson’s save in the first half, when he tipped Jefferson Lerma’s shot onto the post was excellent, as was his fingertip stop to prevent Joachim Andersen scoring from a header just before full-time.

The bookmakers see Liverpool as joint second favourites

Despite the Reds being top of the league, Manchester City are still priced as odds-on to retain the title, even though they are now 4 points adrift.

The Merseysiders have, though, seen their odds shorten considerably, with many bookies now regarding them as second favourites along with Arsenal to finish top.

Does Klopp know his best Liverpool XI? Watch our pundits discuss the issue on Shots!TV here