Liverpool’s cost in the direction of the Premier League title seems unstoppable. With a 15-point lead on the summit, the query is not if they are going to win the league, however when they are going to be formally topped champions.
No group in English top-flight historical past has squandered such a commanding lead at this stage of the season. Having misplaced simply as soon as all marketing campaign, Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Southampton final weekend additional solidified their dominance. In the meantime, closest challengers Arsenal have faltered, dropping factors in three consecutive video games, together with a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
“Liverpool will take a look at it and assume ‘Arsenal have virtually given up the title race’,” former Manchester United captain Roy Keane advised Sky Sports activities.
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson echoed that sentiment, including: “I will likely be saying now that Arsenal want to pay attention to get into the Premier League high 4. Liverpool are too distant. They’ve solely misplaced one recreation all season. [The title race] is over.”
With Nottingham Forest in third, 4 factors behind Arsenal, and Chelsea an additional two factors adrift in fourth, the problem to Liverpool’s dominance appears non-existent. Even Manchester Metropolis, winners of the final 4 titles, languish in fifth after a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
How Quickly Might Liverpool Clinch the Title?
Liverpool’s grip on the trophy seems unshakeable, and now it’s only a matter of pinpointing the decisive date. In line with Opta, the Reds have a staggering 99.66% chance of successful the league. Arsenal, their nearest rivals, are left with a mere 0.34% probability.
Arne Slot’s aspect want 16 extra factors from their remaining 9 matches to mathematically safe the title, assuming Arsenal win each recreation from right here on out. The Gunners, with one match in hand, can solely attain a most of 85 factors.
If Liverpool win their subsequent 5 fixtures whereas Arsenal win their subsequent six, the decisive second may come on 3 Might towards Chelsea at Stamford Bridge—the place even a draw could be sufficient to verify them as champions.
Nevertheless, if outcomes go their approach sooner—ought to Liverpool win their subsequent two video games whereas each Arsenal and Nottingham Forest undergo 4 consecutive defeats—the title could possibly be wrapped up as early as 12 April.
With Champions League commitments, a Carabao Cup last towards Newcastle, and a world break on the horizon, Liverpool won’t play one other league fixture till April.
Might Liverpool Break Extra Data?
Whereas Liverpool’s focus is firmly on securing the title, there are information inside attain.
Their very own file for the earliest title triumph—with seven video games remaining within the 2019-20 season—may nonetheless be equalled, although it might require all the pieces to align completely.
A extra lifelike milestone could be matching Manchester United (2000-01) and Manchester Metropolis (2017-18), who secured their titles with 5 video games to spare. Different historic early triumphs embody United (1999-2000, 2012-13) and Arsenal (2003-04), each wrapping up the league with 4 video games left.
The earliest title win by date got here on 14 April 2001, when Manchester United lifted the trophy. To interrupt that file, Liverpool would wish to increase their lead over Arsenal even additional.
There’s additionally the potential for a record-winning margin. Manchester Metropolis set the benchmark in 2017-18, ending 19 factors away from Manchester United whereas amassing 100 factors. Liverpool’s most potential tally is 97, that means they would wish to increase their benefit on the high by seven factors to surpass Metropolis’s historic hole.
Nevertheless, for now, Liverpool’s focus stays singular: ending the job. With historical past beckoning, the wait for his or her twentieth top-flight title might quickly be over.
