At least 89 points has been needed to finish first in the last three years, and 90+ in six of the last eight campaigns. But it might be difficult in such a fixture-laden season for those sorts of tallies to be matched again.
Meanwhile, pre-season title favourites City and Arsenal have struggled in recent weeks. The champions are far off their best at present and fell to a first defeat of the league season against Bournemouth on Saturday, while they laboured in victories over Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers prior to that.
As for the Gunners, they’ve taken one point from the last three league games and were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle United on Saturday.
Leaders Liverpool have offered a slightly surprising title challenge in the early weeks of the season and sit top of the table after 10 games, having collected 25 points. But like City and Arsenal, the Merseyside club have a mountain of fixtures to deal with over the coming months which could see them drop points.
