Liverpool’s title defence this season has been non-existent and they are worse off than David Moyes’ attempt to retain Manchester United’s crown back in 2013/14.
Last season, the Reds won the title with 99 points, comfortably clear of Man City in second place on 81.
AFP
In the 2018/19 campaign, they fell agonisingly short with 97 points – a total that would have won them the title in all but one of the previous 26 seasons of the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have been well off the pace and face a battle to even achieve the top four.
The Reds lost 1-0 to Chelsea on Thursday night, making it a fifth straight defeat at Anfield for the first time in the club’s 129-year history.
The scoreline did not entirely reflect the story of the game as Liverpool were outplayed by Thomas Tuchel’s side.
AFP
Fewest points by reigning champions after 27 games
Leicester – 27 points (2016/17)
Chelsea – 36 points (2015/16)
Blackburn – 41 points (1995/96)
Liverpool – 43 points (2020/21)
Man United – 45 points (2013/14)
Injuries have undoubtedly played their part, but has not been their sole problem.
The once vaunted front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have not been as deadly as seasons gone by.
Liverpool even have fewer points than David Moyes’ Manchester United in his one and only season in charge.
Sir Alex Ferguson had won the title in the 2012/13 campaign and Moyes failed to mount much of a defence.
After 27 games that season, United had 45 points and went on to finish seventh.
AFP
Liverpool have just 43 points and currently occupy seventh in the table with 11 games to go.
It is by no means the worst attempt at retaining a Premier League title, though, with Leicester amassing just 27 points after 27 games in 2016/17.
Chelsea had 36 in 2015/16 while Blackburn had 41 in 1995/96.
Liverpool still have time to mount a top four challenge but their title defence is one that ultimately will not be successful.
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