Liverpool won the 2019-20 Premier League title by a record margin of victory – 18 points ahead of runners-up Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp’s side all but had the title wrapped up in early 2019 and would have sealed it as early as March but for a shock defeat at the hands of Watford just before the disruption.
The Reds were efficient if not dominant on occasions, winning 26 of their first 27 Premier League games. This included late winning goals versus Leicester City (95′), Aston Villa (87′), Crystal Palace (85′), Wolverhampton Wanderers (84′) and West Ham United (81′).
Whilst Liverpool were putting win after win together, pre-season favourites Manchester City were dropping unexpected points – held 2-2 at home by Tottenham Hotspur, beaten 3-2 at Norwich City, in both matches versus Wolves, and held 2-2 at Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United.
Pep Guardiola’s side were poor at the back, clearly missing the departure of Vincent Kompany last summer as John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi certainly weren’t capable replacements, especially when Aymeric Laporte was lost for several months through injury.
City had won the two previous Premier League titles but still need a couple more signings before the start of the new season, in my opinion.
Nathan Ake has arrived from Bournemouth. And whilst the centre-back was very good for the relegated Cherries, it’s a big step up for the 25-year-old. Exciting winger Ferran Torres has joined from Valencia too.
However, Leroy Sane has been sold to Bayern Munich and David Silva left on a free transfer before signing for Real Sociedad. The latter will certainly be a huge loss.
Lionel Messi has been linked to Manchester City over the past 24 hours after reportedly handing in a transfer request at Barcelona. Of course, that would be a monumental signing if it were to happen.
Liverpool have been fairly quiet so far this window, with left-back Kostas Tsimikas from Olympiacos their only new signing to date. Thiago Alcantara is strongly linked with a move to Anfield too with many expecting he’s played his final game for Bayern Munich.
The Reds have sold Dejan Lovren and allowed Adam Lallana to leave; neither a big loss.
Right now, Liverpool have to be the favourites going into the 2020-21 Premier League season. Their defence is solid under the leadership of Virgil van Dijk, whilst the front three are all match winners.
I don’t believe Manchester City have upgraded their side by 18 points so far this summer. It remains to be seen how well Ake will perform and also if Laporte can get through the full season without injury.
Of course, the signing of Messi would change all that, but we’ll have to wait and see if anything comes of the rumours…
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