Liverpool’s Premier League Lead Proves Their Quality, Not Luck | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Dominance in the Premier League is No Fluke

There has been no shortage of misguided narratives surrounding Liverpool this season. Some have attempted to downplay their commanding position at the Premier League summit, attributing it solely to the failings of their rivals rather than acknowledging the relentless consistency of Arne Slot’s side.

The discourse has been fuelled by social media, creeping into mainstream football analysis, with some even questioning whether Liverpool have been fortunate given the injuries suffered by teams below them. Slot himself faced such a query in a recent press conference—a suggestion that not only disregarded the meticulous work behind player fitness but also ignored the challenges Liverpool have had to navigate.

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Injury Setbacks and Squad Resilience

The notion that Liverpool have merely benefitted from others’ misfortune conveniently overlooks the significant absences they have had to endure. Alisson, Ibrahima Konaté, Diogo Jota, Conor Bradley, and Joe Gomez have all missed critical stages of the campaign. There has been no reliance on luck—just meticulous planning, squad depth, and resilience.

Liverpool also entered the season without their primary summer transfer target, Martin Zubimendi, who opted to remain at Real Sociedad. Instead, the only senior addition to the squad was Federico Chiesa, a signing made to bolster attacking depth rather than overhaul the squad. Yet, despite this minimal recruitment, Liverpool have defied expectations.

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They have suffered just one defeat in 29 league matches, accumulating points at a pace that few can match. Their expected goals (xG) difference of +39.8 dwarfs Arsenal’s +19.8, underlining their ability to create high-quality chances while keeping things tight at the back. Nottingham Forest’s xG difference of +2.5 serves as a further measure of Liverpool’s superiority.

With just 16 more points needed to secure their 20th top-flight title, even a perfect run from Arsenal—which includes a daunting trip to Anfield—may not be enough to overhaul Slot’s team.

Learning From Setbacks and Planning for the Future

Virgil van Dijk, speaking after their Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain and the Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle United, reaffirmed that Liverpool’s focus remains on securing the Premier League crown. Those setbacks, though painful, provided valuable lessons. PSG were younger, quicker, and more dynamic; Newcastle were fresher, more physical, and dictated the game on their terms.

Such realities will inform the upcoming summer transfer window, where Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, will be tasked with reinforcing key areas. Change was always inevitable post-Klopp, and while Hughes and Slot chose stability in their first season, the time is approaching to imprint their own identity on the squad.

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The goalkeeping department remains one of the few areas requiring minimal attention. Alisson has publicly committed his future to the club, while Giorgi Mamardashvili has been signed from Valencia to provide competition. The future of Caoimhín Kelleher remains uncertain, with the Irishman eager for first-team football elsewhere.

Key Decisions in Defence and Midfield

One of the biggest questions this summer revolves around Trent Alexander-Arnold. If he departs for Real Madrid on a free transfer, Liverpool will lose a primary creative outlet. While Bradley has proven to be an able deputy, his injury concerns necessitate additional cover at right-back. Left-back reinforcements are also under consideration, with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Ajax’s Jorrel Hato both admired.

At centre-back, much depends on Van Dijk’s future. While there has long been optimism that the captain will extend his stay, negotiations remain ongoing. Konaté, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his contract without any progress on renewal talks. Gomez, previously on the verge of departing last summer, is recovering from surgery. Even if Van Dijk remains beyond his 34th birthday, another centre-back signing may be necessary.

In midfield, Liverpool possess a young, talented core. Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones are all approaching their peak years. However, Gravenberch’s performances in the deep-lying role have been inconsistent, highlighting the need for additional support.

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Wataru Endo has proven effective in closing out matches but has rarely started in the league, raising questions about his long-term role. Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott, despite his undoubted talent, has featured sparingly. If Slot does not plan to utilise him more frequently, another midfield addition could be required.

Uncertainty in Attack and Financial Realities

The biggest unknowns lie in Liverpool’s forward line. Mohamed Salah’s contract situation remains unresolved, with persistent links to the Saudi Pro League. Losing a player who has contributed 32 goals and 22 assists this season would be a seismic blow, both financially and on the pitch.

Darwin Núñez’s struggles have only intensified speculation that he could be moved on, particularly if lucrative offers arrive from Saudi Arabia. He has scored just once in his last 13 matches, while Diogo Jota is also enduring a barren spell. With questions surrounding Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo’s consistency, Liverpool could be forced into attacking reinforcements.

Chiesa’s contributions have been fleeting, raising doubts over his long-term future. Either he is afforded more playing time or replaced. The upcoming transfer window will demand clarity and decisiveness from Edwards and Hughes.

Financially, Liverpool remain a self-sustaining operation. Their recent pre-tax loss of £57m and a £386m annual wage bill underline the importance of smart investment. A return to the Champions League will boost revenues, as will a new kit deal with Adidas and a lucrative pre-season tour of the Far East. However, extravagant spending remains unlikely.

Liverpool’s data-driven approach favours acquiring players on the rise rather than splurging on established stars. Edwards and Hughes will be tasked with maximising resources while maintaining competitiveness at the highest level.

Champions in Waiting

For all the discussions about what comes next, Liverpool are on the brink of another Premier League triumph. Their consistency, tactical discipline, and ability to overcome adversity have defined this campaign.

This is no fluke, no stroke of luck. It is the result of meticulous planning, exceptional management, and unwavering belief. And when they lift the trophy, it will be as deserving champions.