Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce says Liverpool are the benchmark after Saturday's defeat.
The Reds continued their 100% start to the Premier League season with a 3-1 win over the Toon Army at Anfield on Saturday.
Bruce said of Liverpool: They are as good as you can get. You can understand why they haven't been beaten here in two-and-a-half years and are European champions.
They are an excellent, excellent team. They have pace, creativity and at the top end of the pitch they can damage you. I knew it was going to be difficult, but in fits and starts we did okay.
Can they win the league? They are going to be there or thereabouts. They only lost once last year and didn't win the league, it's quite unbelievable.
They are a very, very good side which will cause any team problems. They are as good as you get. They are fantastic."
