Can Liverpool's 97 Points Eclips the Record Without Winning the Premier League?

When discussing the 97 points Liverpool collected in the 2019-20 Premier League season, one question looms: can it be the highest points tally in history without securing the league title?

In the context of European football, it is essential to note that 'Will' is the operative word here. The rules of the Premier League ensure that teams play each other twice a season, accumulating 38 matches each. Depending on the result of each match, a team can earn 3, 1, or 0 points. This means the theoretical maximum points in a season is 114, with the second-highest possible score being 111.

Domination and Points:

Suppose during a season, a team conquers its league with a perfect 36 wins and two draws - it would rack up 110 points. However, the league title would then be decided by goal difference, implying that 110 points are not necessarily enough for the championship. On the continental scale, we see teams dominating their leagues, often bolstered by the financial support from lucrative European competitions.

A case in point is the Scottish Premier League where Celtic and Rangers, the 'Old Firm,' take turns dominating.

Can 97 Points be the Highest?

When it comes to Liverpool's 97 points in the 2019-20 season, the possibility of it being the highest points to not win the title seems high. The 97 points represent a mere 14 points shy from the 111 points required to clinch the runner-up spot. This means that in any other season, a team would have easily secured the Premier League title with these points, especially considering the final goal difference difference that lost them the title by just two goals. This season is now considered a 'freak occurrence' due to the unprecedented performances of two teams.

Historical Context:

The record points total in the Premier League (before the 2022-23 season) was 95, set by Manchester City in the 2017-18 season. The unprecedented 97 points by Liverpool in 2019-20 surpassed this record by a slim margin. This record now stands, thanks to another performance of 98 points by Manchester City in the 2021-22 season.

For a team to achieve 97 points and still fall short of the title, the margins are remarkably tight, indicating the incredible strength and competitiveness of the Premier League in that particular season.

Final Thoughts:

In the realm of football, nothing is ever guaranteed. As much as 97 points is a monumental number, the possibility of it being eclipsed someday isn't out of the question. However, for the time being, it remains a significant milestone in Premier League history, demonstrating that raw points alone do not secure a title if the opposition is too strong.

For fans and analysts alike, the 2019-20 season will always hold a special place in the Premier League annals, not only for Liverpool's incredible season but also as an example of how a team can perform at a level so high that they can surpass the demand for a goal difference to secure their championship.