Jordan Henderson says Liverpool are now a match for anyone in this season's title race.

They destroyed visitors Arsenal 4-0 on Sunday, and captain Henderson believes it sent out a message of intent to the Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Tottenham.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have made a flying start to the campaign and they are also determined to build long-term success after sealing a club-record £48million deal for RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita.

Although Keita will not move to Anfield until next summer, Henderson says it proves the Reds are ready to challenge for major honours again while also targeting sustained success.

Henderson reckons Sunday's Liverpool would be a handful for all the title contenders (
Image:
Liverpool FC/Getty)

Liverpool have won four matches on the spin after an opening 3-3 draw at Watford, and the 27-year-old said: “We’ve started the season well — we’ve improved each game.

"Last game was very good, but we need to make sure we keep that going. We’ve got a tough game when we get back against Man City [at the Etihad on September 9], so there’s a still long way to go. We’re in a good moment, but we can still improve in a lot of areas.

“Arsenal are still a very good team with very good players. I know they’ll get a lot of criticism, especially after our game, but at the same time we were very good. When we play like that, with that intensity, it’s hard for any team to come and perform.

Video Loading

“A lot of credit has got to go to the lads at Liverpool for the way that we played and the intensity that we played at. Anyone coming to Anfield that day would have struggled.”

Henderson believes the added competition from the new arrivals like Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson - and Keita next summer - will push them on a level.

The arrival of Keita will put pressure on Henderson in Liverpool’s midfield, but the England star believes that will only help Liverpool move onto the next level.

Henderson said: “If you play for top teams you are going to sign good players. I have seen Naby play quite a few times and he looks a top, top player.

Record-buy Salah has started strongly with three goals in his first five appearances (
Image:
PA)

“There have been a lot of transfer rumours over the summer and thankfully we ended up doing the business.

“Okay, he comes next year, but I am sure the club are delighted to get him because he will be a real addition to the squad and will hopefully help us over the next few years.”

The timing of the international break might not be iodeal, but Henderson says: “I would not really say it was a disruption. I know what you are saying, that you want to keep the rhythm going.

“But at the same time we have had a lot of games in a short space of time, what with the qualifiers for the Champions League, so it gives the lads who are not on international breaks a little bit of time off to train and have a few days with their family.

“The rest of us have got to change our mentality to internationals now and do the best we can here. Then we have to go back and be ready for City in the first game back.

“I don’t think it is a disruption.

“Like I say, it gives the lads who are not on international duty a little bit of time with their family and a little bit of time to get ready for City. And for us, we have just got to totally focus on England and not think about that until after the second game.”

poll loading

Will Liverpool win the Premier League title this season?

6000+ VOTES SO FAR