Liverpool are on the brink of the Premier League title after their late 2-1 win against West Ham on Sunday moved them 13 points clear at the top.
Arne Slot’s side bounced back from last weekend’s defeat at Fulham – their first in 26 league games – thanks to goals from Luis Diaz and Virgil van Dijk.
It means the Reds need just six points from their remaining six games to secure a record-equalling 20th top-flight title.
That would put the Merseysiders on 82 points, with second-placed Arsenal only able to reach 81 even if they won all of their remaining games.
But Liverpool could win the league as soon as this Sunday. If Arsenal lose at Ipswich in the day’s early game (14:00 BST) then the Reds will be champions with a victory at Leicester (16:30).
If Arsenal draw, then a Liverpool win would all-but-seal the title as they would be 15 points clear with 15 to play for, and with a vastly superior goal difference.
If both teams match each other’s result then Arsenal would have to avoid defeat at home to Crystal Palace on 23 April (20:00) to delay Liverpool’s coronation.
Even if Arsenal win, Liverpool would claim the title with a home win over Tottenham on 27 April.
So how good are Liverpool?
We’ve all heard the accusations and whispers this season from rival fans, haven’t we?
‘This Liverpool team isn’t actually that great.’ ‘The Premier League is a poor league this season.’ ‘Liverpool’s class of 2024-25 wouldn’t have won the title in another season.’
How fair is this, though?
Firstly, it has to be said Liverpool’s usual rivals are not having their best seasons.
Defending champions Manchester City are on track for their worst campaign under Pep Guardiola, Manchester United are set for their worst season in Premier League history, Arsenal are 11 points adrift of their points tally at this stage of last season, while Tottenham and Chelsea have suffered their own struggles as well.
It’s been a good season for Liverpool to hit full stride then. And Slot’s men have certainly done that.
Even if Arsenal were on the 74 points they had reached at this stage last season, when they were top of the table, Liverpool would still be two points ahead of them.
Arsenal’s much-lauded Invincibles finished their title-winning campaign on 90 points back in 2004. Slot’s men need 15 points from six games to beat that.
In 32 Premier League seasons, only 14 sides have reached that mark and one of them – Manchester United in 1993-94 – did so in a 42-game season.
Liverpool are also the only side to get 90-plus points and not win the title – doing so twice under Jurgen Klopp – meaning only 12 of the previous 31 league-winning sides posted in 90 points or more.
You can only beat what is front of you and Liverpool have done just that in formidable style.
Liverpool’s final Premier League games (dates subject to change)
20 April: Leicester (A)
27 April: Tottenham (H)
4 May: Chelsea (A)
11 May: Arsenal (H)
18 May: Brighton (A)
25 May: Crystal Palace (H)
