Liverpool’s task for this season was clear, but incredibly difficult.
It continues where you left off, somehow collecting even more points than last year and praying that Manchester City will win a few fewer games.
However, what really happened over the course of the campaign was something very different.
The Reds are on track to rack up a couple more points than last season (they could still land at 104), while Manchester City could get 20 fewer points.
Jurgen Klopp would never admit it, but his focus will already have shifted to next season. The remaining six games of the season are an opportunity to gain an advantage over the rest of the division, treating that period as a preseason.
Records matter, but trophies matter more, and Liverpool knows the importance of starting a season in flying gear: this year, they’ve been at the top of the table from day one, never giving up on top spot as City slipped early.
The challenge of next season, however, to retain the Premier League title, is even more difficult, and Liverpool are poised to enter the unknown.
Despite not picking up the trophy last season, the Reds essentially performed on a title-winning standard, so they’ve already put together consecutive title-winning seasons, even if the history books don’t show it. History suggests that it is almost impossible to join three.
Speaking on Debrief, live on the Blood Red YouTube channel after the crash at Etihad Stadium, Matt Addison said: “I said before the game that this was an important game in terms of the narrative for Liverpool.”
“We know Liverpool have been much better than Manchester City this year, but I think when we start next season, people will say, even though Liverpool could win the league by a record margin, ‘that’s a reminder of what City can do and maybe the gap wasn’t that big …
“I’m not sure if that’s an accurate picture. Liverpool have been significantly better, certainly defensively, and it’s fine the night they didn’t show it, but if you take the season as a whole rather than one-time nights like this So that paints a fuller picture.
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“Going into next season, it was always going to be difficult for Liverpool because they have kept it going for two seasons.”
“They got 97 points last season, and they didn’t win the league, but they actually served as league title-winning levels for two consecutive seasons and it’s very rare that we’ve seen a team do it for three.”
“Manchester United is the only team to win the Premier League three times in a row and they didn’t have to come close to that many points in those days.”
“Liverpool are entering uncharted territory at the level at which they will have to continue, but Liverpool always knew that next season everyone would start from scratch again.”
“It will be very difficult for Liverpool to retain their title, that is not a surprise.”
In fact, no team has won four consecutive first-division titles. Huddersfield Town (1923–26), Arsenal (1932–35), Liverpool (1981–84) and Manchester United (twice: 1998–01; 2006–09) have made three, as the Reds will be effectively targeting again.
But on none of those occasions was a point total of around 100 points required.
Manchester United collected 90 points in 2008/09, but beat Liverpool for the title by four points, so they could have finished with 87 and still be crowned champion. And that was the highest number of points of any team that has won three on the turn.
If Liverpool retain their inaugural title, and effectively produce a title-winning performance for the third consecutive season, then they will have to achieve a level of world-class consistency that no team has ever achieved before.
After two seasons of nearly 100 points, another one may be required. Even if not, by winning the title again next year, Liverpool would join an exclusive club.
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