5 things we learned from the first half of the Premier League season

#3 Defence will determine who wins the Premier League

Alisson and Van Dijk have been massive for the Reds

Goals have not been in short supply this season in the Premier League. The current top four sides have scored a whopping total of 167 goals in just 72 matches.

However, it is the team with the best defence that currently tops the table. Liverpool's attack has picked up in recent weeks. Yet the frontline featuring Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Xherdan Shariqi and others are not as prolific as they were last season.

It is the backline ably marshalled by Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker and centre-back Virgil Van Dijk that has seen the team get to its present position. The defence has let in just 7 goals so far this season.

Until its late run of bad form that has seen it concede 8 goals in 4 games, Manchester City's backline was just as good as the Reds. With Aymeric Laporte as the leader, Pep Guardiola's men were cruising along until things started to unravel at Chelsea.

What this shows is that despite their famed attacking ethos, both Klopp and Guardiola recognize the importance of a solid backline. Same goes for Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs.

At this juncture, it is safe to say that whichever team has the best defence at the end of the season will most likely be Premier League champions.