This season’s title race is a letdown but one seismic verdict could deliver drama

Although Arne Slot repeated his usual line that Liverpool just have to focus on the next game, another rampant performance made it hard not to think of history, and other years.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

That’s especially the case given that this otherwise isn’t looking like a Premier League season for the ages.

Most of the main positions are now almost settled, and by the end of February. Through that, there are shades of 1975-76 and 1985-86 for Liverpool. The former was when Bob Paisley won his first title, just two years after taking over from the charismatic Bill Shankly, a campaign carrying so many parallels with now. The latter was when Kenny Dalglish won the title in his very first season as manager of the club – also like Slot now.

Of course, a 20th league title – as is now almost inevitable – would give this season a special resonance of its own. It would equal Manchester United’s record, putting Liverpool back on their perch, while offering the chance to celebrate in a way they never could with the 19th during the pandemic.

The anxieties from the draws with Everton and Aston Villa now seem so distant, as if Mohamed Salah has left them for dust. Special mention should be reserved for Dominik Szoboszlai, who looks like he has gone to a higher level as Liverpool have gone clear. There was such energy, which neither Manchester City nor Newcastle United could live with. As exhilarating as that was for Liverpool, it felt a little deadening for the Premier League. There’s very little excitement to be created about their trophy now.

Worse, it’s not like there’s much to advertise at the other end. The toying with people’s emotions that the survival battle can become is unlikely to develop. The bottom three look doomed. Even this version of Manchester United, for all their problems with a truly underwhelming team, had too much for Ipswich Town. That could be that.