Literally, Liverpool isn't as strong as in those season's when team like Manchester city were in top lead for the EPL title, like win matches with opponents completely hands down. What am I trying to say? Arsenal gave Manchester city the biggest pressures in all the seasons that City won the EPL trophy. Unlike what they are doing this season with Liverpool, the competition is not heated as Arsenal have been so inconsistent with their performance dropping points even in games they should win and take all points therefore leave Liverpool with little or no pressure in the race this season.
Liverpool is strong this season, but you may be correct to say that they are not as strong as those seasons that Manchester City was very strong. But with the form every other club found themselves this season, Liverpool is very strong.
Consider it this way, that level of form that Manchester City was that you are expecting Liverpool to be cannot be achieved now. Remember that Manchester City won the league with 100 points but as at that time Liverpool also ended second position with 97 points which means both of them were in great form. So considering the total point of Manchester City now, it can be said that Liverpool is in Great form this season. They will not win the league with 100 points but they are better than all this season.