The Points Race: Higher Than Ever
Back in the early days of the Premier League, teams could win the title with points totals in the low 80s. Fast forward to now, and those days seem like a distant memory. The average points needed to secure the league have been climbing steadily, especially in recent years. Just look at the 2018/19 season: Liverpool racked up a mind-boggling 97 points, but it still wasn't enough to top Manchester City's 98.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Super Teams
The likes of Manchester City and Liverpool have set new standards. Since Pep Guardiola arrived at City in 2016, the competition has been fierce. City’s dominance has pushed other top teams to up their game just to stay in the race. Arsenal’s potential 89 points this season might make them one of the best runners-up ever, showing just how intense the Premier League has become.
Embed from Getty ImagesNail-Biting Finishes
There have been some nail-biting finishes over the years, highlighting just how close the Premier League title races can be:
- 1994/95 Season: Blackburn Rovers pipped Manchester United by a single point, clinching the title on the final day.
- 1998/99 Season: Manchester United won the treble, finishing just one point ahead of Arsenal.
- 2011/12 Season: Manchester City won the title on goal difference over Manchester United, with Sergio Agüero’s last-minute goal becoming an iconic moment.
- 2018/19 Season: Manchester City once again edged Liverpool by a single point, with both teams setting record points totals.
The New Normal
High points totals are here to stay. Since 2016, the average points for the second-place team have climbed to 85, compared to the historical average of 81. This season is no different, with the second-place team set to finish with at least 86 points. The gap between first and second is also narrower than ever, reflecting the fierce competition at the top.
Wrapping Up
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are having a fantastic season, yet they find themselves chasing a seemingly unstoppable Manchester City. In another era, their points tally would have likely secured the title well before the final day. However, in today’s Premier League, even record-breaking seasons can end without silverware. The relentless drive for excellence continues to push teams to new heights, making the Premier League title one of the toughest and most prestigious trophies in football.
Explore with Our Interactive Dashboards
For those interested in diving deeper into the trends, our Tableau dashboard offers an interactive way to explore how the points required to win the Premier League have changed over time. Users can manipulate the data to see how different teams have performed season by season, and visualize the increasing competitiveness of the league. It's a fantastic tool for fans and analysts alike to understand the evolving dynamics of the Premier League title race.
