100 points. 98 points. 99 points. Those are the three last tallies gained by the previous three Premier League winning sides as Liverpool and Manchester City stormed towards glory. In contrast, before the previous season’s total, the average amount of points needed to secure the title was around the 85 point mark- such is the usual competitive nature of the division.
But that competitive nature- which made English football so attractive- evaporated in recent times; both City and Liverpool demolished the best of the rest- securing records along the way. And this created a significant change in English football, leaving many complaining that the division was not what it once was.
It created the narrative that one draw or one poor result can cost a team a title when in fact the normality of the Premier League- again before recent times- has seen many title winners make several slip-ups before going onto lift the all-important trophy.
Take the Arsenal invincibles or Manchester United’s 1998/99 treble winners, for example. United, after 15 games, had 29 points whilst the Arsenal invincibles had 35. Liverpool, the current leaders after the same amount of fixtures, have 32.
It is the Premier League at its very best, unpredictable and closely contested nature. This time last year, Liverpool had all but secured their 19th and first Premier League title.
Fast forward 12 months, and just six points separate leaders Liverpool and sixth place Chelsea; Aston Villa are vying for a place in the top six, Everton are making a challenge for the Champions League places, and Leicester City sit as high as third.
It is a strange season without the fans for much of it, but, the fact is, the Premier League’s attraction of non-stop entertainment has made a welcomed return.
The Premier League is Back to its Competitive Best
Manchester United and Liverpool to Do Battle Once More
Title races over the years have failed to become the main attraction point- barring Manchester City’s one point gain over Liverpool in the 18/19 season- but this season is different. The trophy is there for several teams to aim for.
Yet, as we approach the new year, it is two of English football’s greats who occupy the top two positions; it is Liverpool; it is Manchester United; it is one of football’s greatest rivalries.
Liverpool are seeking a second title on the spin to equal United’s 20 times record. Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to defend the United crown; to extend the record to 21 titles; to keep Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at bay.
Should the season continue its current direction, we’ll see a title race surrounded by history, but also one with reputations and records on the line.
For the first time between these two historic clubs, however, it is Jurgen Klopp’s previous Champions League, Club World Cup and Premier League winners who will be favoured over a Manchester United side who are as unpredictable as ever.
Gone are the days of Sir Alex Ferguson led dominance; arrived are the days of Jurgen Klopp’s mentality monsters. Now, as underdogs, those at Old Trafford will be desperate for the most unexpected of glory days once again.
The Chance for Underdogs to Rise Again
In the last two years, we have seen sides closer to the bottom fail to come close to the classic ‘top six’- barring Arsenal’s miserable run. The gap between the very best, and those wasting away with boredom in mid-table seemed to be extended beyond a competitive reach in the Premier League; the chance of an upset looked as unlikely as ever.
Yet, in a season like no other in the stands, we have seen the re-emergence of classic Premier League underdogs and upsets. For the first time in a long time, it feels as though any team can suffer defeat to another.
And this re-emergence is thanks to the likes of Leeds United and Aston Villa. Marcelo Bielsa’s side could have comfortable stayed safe by adapting their style to advocate for the avoidance of potential thrashings. Instead, they chose to keep the entertainment, and it’s paying off.
They have been a welcomed sight in the Premier League. Instead of placing 11 men behind the ball as so many promoted sides tend to do, Bielsa’s side attack with the intent of a side on the up.
Some days, it may prove costly- as it did in the 6-2 loss to Manchester United- whilst others it will work to perfection- as it did in the recent 5-0 thrashing of West Bromwich Albion.
This Leeds United side could be the most unpredictable in the Premier League. One week, they could ship six goals, whilst the next they could score five themselves in the most thrilling of encounters.
But, that is what makes England’s top tier so enjoyable to watch. It is the close title races; the non-stop attacking football; the shocking results, and ultimate entertainment which makes it the greatest league in the world.
The Premier League, as we all know it, has officially made its crazy, unpredictable, enthralling, competitive return this season in a world like no other.
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