Smith: Reds will bounce back

Kop legend Tommy Smith believes it is far too early for anyone to dismiss Liverpool's dream of winning the Barclays Premier League title this season.

The Reds have made a mixed start to the 2009-10 campaign, losing three of their opening eight league matches, and sit six points behind early frontrunners Chelsea.

However, with the season still in its infancy, Smith is confident Rafael Benitez's charges will soon get their quest for the championship back on track - and predicts the strength of the division will mean there will be shocks in store for Liverpool's title rivals along the way.

"Writing off Liverpool's title chances long before the leaves have finished falling is way out of order," said the Anfield Iron.

"Chelsea themselves have been turned over by Wigan, while Manchester United struggled on Saturday to get a point at home to Sunderland.

"It's clearly a much more open race this season and there'll be more shocks to come across the board, I'm sure."

Sunday's 2-0 reversal against Chelsea came on the back of a disappointing defeat to Fiorentina in the Champions League.

Nevertheless, Smith feels there were enough signs in Liverpool's performance at Stamford Bridge to suggest the Reds' title aspirations are far from being over.

He added: "I'm not saying losing three games in the first eight is good news. There's no disguising the fact we've slipped up early on this season.

"But at Chelsea we could well have had a draw or even sneaked a win. It was a far better performance all round than against Fiorentina - I just thought they looked a little bit stronger in defence and in attack than us - and that was what edged it.

"But if Liverpool can keep beating sides - and we have won our other five league games very well don't forget - then anything is possible.

"Remember - no one at Liverpool ever gives up. Let alone in October!"