The ongoing race to be the most successful English team

Football is played out on two fronts, especially when it comes to the fans. Obviously the present situation is important: where a club currently sits in the league table, what their chances are of picking up silverware, and whether they’re finishing ahead of their biggest rivals. Equally important however, and probably even more so, is what the history books say.

The EPL has rivalries going back over a hundred years. Victories and success gained each and every year are simply another layer of that history, another blow struck in the rivalry.  And in all the pages of those history books there is one battle that has consistently played out for decades. The fight to be the most successful English club, in terms of number of league titles won, promises to become more and more fascinating in the years, even decades, to come. Let’s have a look at the history of that battle and what is likely to happen in both the very near future and beyond.

The recent history of the race

Two teams have dominated the race now for decades: Liverpool and Manchester United. There are always going to be fairytales, Leicester City’s 2015-2016 title winning season for instance, but apart from Arsenal’s period of dominance in the height of the Wenger years, it has been Liverpool and United who have left the others in their dust. Once upon a time, Liverpool were out in front in what looked an unassailable lead with 18 titles, but then Sir Alex Ferguson weaved his magic and his United not only caught their rivals, but overtook them.

Then in 2013 Fergie left and the trophies dried up, at least the league titles anyway. Another managerial change then happened which was to have another big impact on the race. Klopp took over at Anfield. They knocked on the door and then, in the 2019/20 season, they won their first title for thirty years. Suddenly United fans were worried that the record they had been so proud of could be snatched away from them, especially as their team looked in no position to add to their own tally.

The situation today

Only one of two teams can win the title this season, and in all likelihood the next season too. Those teams are Manchester City and Liverpool. If Liverpool do manage to catch City and win their 20^th league title, that will draw them level with Manchester United. Chances are that the title will go to the blue half of Manchester, but Klopp’s men are in with a chance, and will be again next season.

The coming seasons

It is pointless trying to predict too far ahead in football. In the next few seasons, however, it is hard to see Manchester City declining to the point where they are not at least fighting for the title almost every year. The same can be said for Liverpool. Other teams such as Chelsea may have a role to play, and there are always the likes of Arsenal and Spurs waiting for their chance. Will Newcastle improve with their newfound wealth feature? Either way, all of those teams have a long way to go to catch the front two. Manchester City (currently on 7 titles) will need to maintain their current run for more than a decade to make it a three-horse race.

The biggest question is, can Manchester United get themselves into a position where they are realistically fighting for a title again? They are a club that has taken a step forwards and two steps backwards this season, and they cannot simply rely on Liverpool not winning the title. They have to add to their own tally in the seasons to come. The thing is, you just cannot see that happening unless there are fundamental changes at the club.  

The ongoing race to be the most successful English team