MARTIN KEOWN: Winning the tug of war with Man City the key behind Liverpool’s Premier League glory

Liverpool took it to another level. They knew if they were to be crowned champions they had to match Manchester City stride for stride and then some.

City got 98 points in 2019 and 100 the year before. They set incredibly high standards. But then Liverpool went and blew them away. To have won 28 of their 31 Premier League games is phenomenal.

I look back at our rivalry at Arsenal with Manchester United and how we pushed them and they pushed us. That’s what great rivalries do. I liken this battle for the title to a game of tug of war. You’re grabbing hold and giving all you’ve got. 

Liverpool have blown Manchester City away this season and have won 28 of their 31 games

Great rivalries such as this see both sides push each other and giving everything they have

Then as soon as you feel that rope inching towards you, you think: ‘We’ve got this.’ That’s what happens when your rivals lose ground on you. You feel energised because you’re so used to having to try to stay on top every week. 

Liverpool did that. They won game after game — including a vital head to head at Anfield in November — and City couldn’t keep up. Now it’s their turn to respond.

Clubs, even those at the top, have to strengthen. It is no good standing still. It will be intriguing to see how Pep Guardiola reacts and whether Jurgen Klopp feels the need to improve the options on his bench.

For now, Liverpool can sit back and enjoy being champions.

Liverpool won game after game including a crucial head to head at Anfield in November

It will be intriguing to see how Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reacts to Liverpool’s win