Liverpool’s path to the Premier League title looks unstoppable after extending their lead at the top of the table to 13 points.
No team in English top-flight history, dating back to 1888-89, has ever been this far ahead at this stage of the season and failed to win the title.
“It’s becoming less of a title race and more of a procession, isn’t it?” remarked Match of the Day host Gary Lineker.
The Reds have only suffered one league defeat all season and secured a 2-0 victory over Newcastle on Wednesday. Meanwhile, second-placed Arsenal have dropped points in their last two matches, including a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains focused despite their commanding position. “There is still a long way to go—10 games. In March, we only play one Premier League game, so we’re not looking too far ahead,” he said. “Now, the players have a few days off, and then we focus on Paris Saint-Germain [in the Champions League] rather than the Premier League table.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remains defiant despite the gap, previously stating he would concede the title “over [his] dead body.” After the draw with Forest, he added, “The situation was the same a week ago, two weeks ago, three months ago. The only thing we can do is win our matches and see how many points we get.”
Former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman believes the title is as good as secured, calling Liverpool “unstoppable” and “in cruise control.” He added, “Everyone else is falling away and helping them.”
Nottingham Forest sit third, six points behind Arsenal, while defending champions Manchester City—who have won the last four league titles—trail by another point.
Only once in Premier League history has a team squandered a 13-point lead and failed to win the title. That occurred in the 1997-98 season when Arsenal overtook Manchester United—but that was earlier in the campaign.
With Liverpool on the verge of their second Premier League title and a record-equalling 20th English league championship, the countdown has begun for when they could officially seal the trophy.