Alan Hansen's column

By Alan Hansen BBC Sport football expert

Liverpool's title credentials are coming under increasing scrutiny, and the growing sense of expectation around Anfield was emphasised by the disappointment felt after Saturday's home draw against Fulham.

Rafael Benitez would have hoped to secure three points from that game to maintain their excellent start, but at least the damage was limited as rivals Chelsea and Manchester United also failed to win.

Liverpool and Rafael Benitez face important title tests - but there are real grounds for optimism in the title race Alan Hansen

Despite not getting the result they desired, I do believe Liverpool are genuine title contenders this season. There is more cause for optimism in the camp that they can make a serious challenge this season than there has been in recent times.

It is easy to imagine the discontent among Liverpool supporters caused by the failure to win the title since 1990, but what has hurt almost as much has been that they have rarely even been in any sort of position to claim the crown in that time.

Liverpool have looked very good this season. If you watch them play, you can see they are more of a team than they have been for years, more resilient and more together.

They do not look like a side that will fall apart under pressure and their best XI can compete with anyone.

Chelsea and Manchester United have greater strength in depth in their squads and have been over course and distance to win the Premier League title, so crucial tests lie ahead for Benitez and his players.

In recent years, as I have said, Liverpool have not been in the position of challenging for the title as the season enters its sharp end, and no-one knows how players will react until they are actually placed in that pressure situation.

But, based on the evidence of the season so far, they look like they have the crucial qualities to cope with that.

It is so important to Liverpool and their supporters that they really try and go the distance. They have got points on the board and shown in their performances that they could this time around.

The spine of their team was in place last season, with Pepe Reina an excellent goalkeeper, Jamie Carragher outstanding at the heart of defence, Javier Mascherano providing perfect insurance in midfield - and Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres providing genuine world class.

Liverpool have been able to improve around the edges of that this season, which has given them the appearance of a team that can make a real impact in the Premier League title chase.

Xabi Alonso, who could have left in the summer if Benitez had signed Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, has had his best season since he arrived at the club in 2004.

Dirk Kuyt was a player who always worked tirelessly but left you asking what other major contribution he made. This season he has looked a much better player and has also scored vital goals.

Albert Riera has arrived to add much-needed width on the left, and while - in an ideal world - you might like more from their full-backs on the ball and going forward, I still think they look a really good side.

The obvious danger to Liverpool is a long-term absence for either Gerrard or Torres, particularly the captain. If that happened, it would do real damage.

Fulham, as so many will do, defended deep at Anfield on Saturday in an understandable attempt to negate the threat of Torres' pace.

It is a tried and trusted tactic, although no perfect guarantee against a moment of brilliance from Torres.

But when it works for a visiting side, as it did for Fulham, then Liverpool really miss Gerrard's influence. He is just so important in every aspect with talent, drive and a priceless ability to make things happen when they are needed most. He is a leader.

Liverpool are certainly not a one-man team, but when Gerrard is not playing it is a huge blow.

When he is playing he is a huge presence, and part of the reason that I believe Liverpool can finally emerge as genuine contenders this season.

Chelsea are most people's tips for champions, and it is easy to see why - but even they have found life frustrating at home this season.

Aston Villa are improving under a great manager in Martin O'Neill Alan Hansen

They have played seven league games at Stamford Bridge and won only three, while they have an unblemished record of seven victories on their travels.

Newcastle went to Chelsea and got men behind the ball and got a point. They knew that if they opened up there was every chance Chelsea would cut them to pieces, as they have done to teams away from home this season.

These will be problems for managers like Benitez and Luiz Felipe Scolari as the race unfolds, but it is making for a fascinating Premier League season.

Manchester United might have been left a little frustrated that they did not cash in as Liverpool and Chelsea dropped points, but in reality their goalless draw at Aston Villa was the best result of the three.

Villa are on a real high at the moment and they were outstanding in victory at Arsenal. They showed great strength of character to bounce back from two league defeats to win at the Emirates, and gave United a real test at Villa Park.

I said recently that I do not think Villa will threaten the so-called "Big Four", and I meant that in a wider context than simply finishing in the top four in the league.

I meant they do not threaten Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal in terms of stature, profile and finances, although I also feel it will actually be those same four teams that will take the top places again this season.

What I will say is that Villa have some very good players and a great manager in Martin O'Neill. They have moved up another level this season, although this doesn't surprise me given the ability of the man in charge and the presence of an excellent owner in Randy Lerner.

Arsenal's inconsistencies may yet throw the battle for Champions League places open to an outsider, and Villa will want to be in a position to strike should that happen.

For Liverpool, they will hope to be in a position to kick for the finish come February and March - and despite their draw on Saturday, I think they can achieve that initial goal.

Alan Hansen was talking to BBC Sport's Phil McNulty