Liverpool’s Unstoppable Momentum
Liverpool’s ascent to the top of the Premier League table has been nothing short of magnificent. With a commanding 15-point lead over second-placed Arsenal and only one league loss to their name this season, the Reds are poised to clinch their second Premier League title and their 20th overall, a feat that would tie them with Manchester United’s record. The team’s recent 3-1 victory over Southampton only solidified their position, while Arsenal’s recent slip-ups, including a 1-1 draw against Manchester United, have further distanced them from contention. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane and ex-Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson have both opined that Arsenal should now focus on securing a top-four finish, as the title race appears all but over.
A Historical Perspective
Since the inception of English top-flight football in the 1888-89 season, no team has ever squandered a 15-point lead at this stage and not gone on to win the title. Liverpool’s dominant performance has set a precedent that is hard to ignore. The club’s consistency and resilience are evident, as they have faced numerous challenges but have continued to deliver results. This historical context adds a layer of inevitability to their current campaign, making it difficult for any observer to doubt their trajectory towards the championship.
The Path to the Title
Liverpool’s remaining league fixtures are spread out, with the next match not until April 2 due to their ongoing Champions League commitments and a place in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle. Their schedule includes games against Everton, Fulham, West Ham, Leicester, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton, and Crystal Palace. Statisticians at Opta give the Reds a 99.66% chance of winning the title, with Arsenal having just a 0.34% chance. Liverpool need 16 points out of a possible 27 to secure the championship, and if they win their next five games, they will only need a single point from their pivotal match against Chelsea on May 3 to be crowned champions. Another scenario sees Liverpool winning their next two fixtures and both Arsenal and Nottingham Forest losing their next four, which would secure the title for the Reds on April 12.
Record-Breaking Potential
While Liverpool’s current lead is already historic, the club has the potential to break even more records. To match their own record of winning the title with seven games to spare, set in the 2019-20 season, everything would need to go perfectly. However, equalling the five-game margin achieved by Manchester United (2000-01) and Manchester City (2017-18) is more feasible. The earliest a title has ever been won was on April 14, 2001, when Manchester United clinched the championship. For Liverpool to break this record, they would need to significantly extend their lead over Arsenal.
The Magnitude of the Achievements
If Liverpool do secure the title, it will come earlier in the year than their only other Premier League triumph, which was delayed to June 25, 2020, due to the pandemic. Moreover, Arne Slot’s side could also aim for the biggest margin of victory in a Premier League season. Manchester City’s 19-point lead over Manchester United in 2017-18 is the current record, and Liverpool would need to add seven more points to their current lead to surpass this. The Reds have a maximum of 97 points they can achieve this season, which, while not enough to match City’s record 100 points, would still be a remarkable accomplishment.
The Road Ahead
Liverpool’s journey to the title has been marked by exceptional performances and strategic brilliance. The team’s blend of attacking prowess and defensive solidity has made them nearly unstoppable. With key fixtures against top opponents like Chelsea and Arsenal, the Reds have the opportunity to seal their fate in dramatic fashion. The international break and their Champions League commitments may provide a brief respite, but the focus will undoubtedly return to their domestic campaign. As the season progresses, Liverpool’s fans and players are likely to savor every moment, knowing that they are part of a historic achievement that will be remembered for generations to come.
