Richard Hughes GENIUS appointment gifts Liverpool HUGE title BOOST

Liverpool were handed a major boost in their pursuit of the Premier League on Saturday when they returned to the top of the table.

The Reds pulled off a comeback victory against Brighton at Anfield, with goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah sealing the three points for Arne Slot’s side.

Although Liverpool’s first half performance was potentially the worst 45 minutes the side have played under Slot, a much improved second half display ensured that the Reds emerged victorious.

EXCLUSIVE: The FULL lowdown on Omar Marmoush as Liverpool OPEN transfer talks

The cherry on the cake for Liverpool supporters came from the other side of the country however, as Bournemouth were able to beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium on the south coast.

The Cherries’ win means that Liverpool now sit two points clear at the top of the table and will be a huge blow for Manchester City, who suffered two defeats in less than 72 hours.

Richard Hughes’ genius appointment

In a funny twist of fate, it was actually Liverpool’s current sporting director, Richard Hughes, who laid the foundations for Bournemouth’s win over the Reds’ title rivals.

Before he was part of the backroom team at Anfield, Hughes spent a decade as the technical director at Bournemouth, and was responsible for the recruitment of Antoine Semenyo, who scored the Cherries’ first, and manager Andoni Iraola.

Iraola led Bournemouth to a 12th place finish last season and currently has his side in eighth.

It may not be intentional, but the Spaniard has been a great help to Liverpool’s title charge this campaign, having beaten City on Saturday and Arsenal earlier in October. Bournemouth also lost 3-0 to Liverpool in September.

Hughes was responsible for recruiting almost all of the current Bournemouth squad and the man who leads them, meaning he may have done more to help Liverpool win the Premier League this season before he arrived at Anfield than since he got the job.

Liverpool’s Premier League hopes

It will not be easy for Slot’s side to win the league title. Manchester City have won the last four titles in a row and arguably strengthened their squad this summer.

Arsenal are also considered contenders for the title by many, but the Gunners now sit seven points behind the Reds.

Both City and Arsenal are capable of going on long winning runs but, 10 matches in, it certainly looks like Liverpool will have a good chance to win the Premier League.

Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk both look back to their best and the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch in the holding midfield role has also improved a Liverpool side that challenged for the title last year.

There are still 28 games to play but Arne Slot, the Liverpool players and Kopites all over the world will be hoping the Reds can build on their excellent start and that the Premier League trophy will be heading back to Merseyside in May.

READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres just sent Liverpool the ULTIMATE 'come and get me' plea