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The English Premier League (EPL) is only six
matches old yet it is like South Africa didn’t host the World Cup or we never
went through a 3-month season break. Early title claims by fans of Chelsea, Man
United, Man City and Arsenal painted the picture of a season already halfway
but they have been brought down to earth in a rather humbling fashion.

Controversies are already raging and fans
expectant of silverware this season are already groaning in despair because of
a few results that could make them wait yet another season before being able to
out-boast their rivals.

Some reputations are being made, like Osaze
Odemwingie, while some that had huge question marks hanging over them like
Alumnia are being consigned to the bin…already. Meanwhile, teams like
Liverpool, who began the season with some kind of optimism, have been
constantly reminded of the harsh realities before them as the likes of
Birmingham, Bolton, Sunderland, West Brom and Fulham have displayed form that
is a clear indicator of the ever-shrinking gap between the top teams,
middle-class teams, and also-rans. Expect many more twists and turns this
season.

The EPL is living up to its exciting “best league
in the world” tag. It currently has a 2.78 average goals scored per match
behind the German Bundesliga with 3.15 who are in turn behind the Dutch
Eredivise on 3.17. However, the Dutch have played more matches than both leagues.
The Spanish La Liga lag behind with only 2.38 average goals scored per match
but that is a digression.

Many young fans of the EPL don’t remember or even
know about the English league except they make the extra effort to read up on
the Internet or listen to stories told by older fans of the glory days of their
teams in a bid to claim some modicum of respectability when embarking on the
endless argument of whose team is best.

Amongst the ‘old’ big four, Liverpool fans only
know too well how painful that can be because it’s an argument they can never
win until their next league title nor can they comfortably lay claim to
historical landmarks because Sir Alex Ferguson (SAF) and Manchester United are
breathing down their necks unwavering in their aim to obliterate all the Kop
Reds stood for. Liverpool’s league record of 18 titles has already been
equalled by the Red devils. In many ways, SAF has fulfilled his statement of
knocking Liverpool off their perch when he took over at Old Trafford. For
example, Liverpool won 11 titles in 17 years between 1973 and 1990 to set a
record most thought would not be equalled as long as the club was in existence.
How wrong they were as Man United equalled the record by dominating the EPL era
by also winning 11 titles in 17 years since 1992. Liverpool’s main claim to
fame remains their 5 European Cup titles, a record Man United is already
chasing down by recording their 3rd title in 2008 and losing in the final 2009.

Liverpool were once great

Just to encourage Liverpool fans in their current despondency,
there is one record Man United holds but wish they can pass on to Liverpool.

They can only do this by ensuring Anfield doesn’t get the EPL
trophy in their cabinet for another 6 years. When considering the post World
War II era, United holds the infamous record for the longest period in between
titles with 25 years (yes!) in between winning their seventh title in 1968 and
the eighth one and first EPL title in 1993. Liverpool has overtaken Arsenal’s
18 year record which they set by winning their eighth title in 1953 and the
ninth in 1971.

They also equalled the record between 1971 and 1989. The men of
Anfield are currently on 20 years (since 1989) and it is highly likely they
clock 21 at season’s end. We all should know Chelsea holds the record in this
regard with 50 years in between their first title in 1955 and the next one in
2005. How about Man City you ask? Well their last title was in 1968, 31 years
after their first title in 1937. However, when the World War II period is deducted
it becomes only 24 years but it’s been 42 years since 1968. Tottenham Hotspurs
are closest to Chelsea with a 49-year gap since their last title in 1961.

So as we look forward to who wins the title, this statistic can be
monitored. If Man United picks the EPL title, Liverpool’s record title
collection will belong to the Red Devils plus they would also be one year
nearer to equalling and overtaking Man United’s winless title streak. On the
other hand, who knows if Man City can end a 31 year wait … if you ask Chelsea
fans, they might temporarily agree with you. It’s still early days though.