They say no-one remembers who finishes in second place. While the runners up is Premier League history have largely been forgotten, however, the exception that proves that rule might be the Liverpool team of 2018/19.

It’s not that Jurgen Klopp’s 2018/19 Liverpool team’s incredible total of 97 points would have been enough to win the Premier League title in most other years. They would have won it in every other year, including the year Arsenal went an entire season without losing (90 points) and Jose Mourinho’s first imperious year at Stamford Bridge (95 points). So what were the reasons that they didn’t win the title with that side? It’s a lot less simple than Manchester City proving to be one point better over the course of that surprising season.

The Manchester City side that went into action in 2018/19 was, of course, on the back of a record-breaking year in which The Citizens amassed 100 Premier League points. That they got within two points of this in the very next season is a feat that is truly remarkable. Many of the reasons for this must be accredited to Pep Guardiola, who propensity for motivating the most high-achieving of players is nothing short of sensational.

City got off to a traditionally strong start, winning their opening fixture away to Arsenal before thrashing Huddersfield 6-1 at The Etihad Stadium. A draw at Wolves followed, however, and City dropped to fifth place before a run of victories concluding in a dominant showing against Brighton restores them to the summit. The prescience of that moment would not be known until May.