We look at Liverpool's winning run in the Premier League to date

Liverpool's magnificent 17: A look at Jurgen Klopp's side's winning run as they aim to equal Premier League record against Manchester United

By George Pitts

Football

Sat October 20, 2019 · 5y ago

Liverpool return from the international break looking to equal Manchester City's record of 18 consecutive Premier League wins on Sunday.

They come up against old rivals Manchester United on Sunday, hoping to continue their perfect start to the Premier League which has seen them open up an eight-point gap over second-placed Man City.

Jurgen Klopp's side secured a late win over Leicester at Anfield last time to make it 17 on the bounce and they have City's record in their sights.

Pep Guardiola's side won an impressive 18 times in a row in the first half of their 2017/18 title-winning campaign, where they reached an impressive 100 points.

Longest winning Premier League runs

Manchester City (2017) - 18
Liverpool (2019) - 17 (and counting)
Manchester City (2019) - 15
Arsenal (2002) - 14

Three points at Old Trafford would mean Liverpool equal that record, with their league-winning run stretching back to March, while their unbeaten streak currently stands at 25 games.

If they beat United and equal City's achievement, they can then set a new best of 19 when they travel to Tottenham the following week.

We look back at their winning run so far...

Recap: Liverpool's 17 successive wins

1 - Liverpool 4-2 Burnley (March 10, 2019)

Roberto Firmino: The Brazilian ace scored twice for Liverpool against Burnley

A sixth-minute goal from Ashley Westwood gave Anfield an early shock but, in strong winds and hailstorm conditions, Liverpool blew the Clarets away with both Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane bagging a brace; Johann Berg Gudmundsson also scored for the visitors in injury time.

It kept their title hopes alive, putting them back to within a point of Man City with eight games to go.

2 - Fulham 1-2 Liverpool (March 17, 2019)

Sadio Mane celebrates his goal against Fulham

With Man City in FA Cup action, Liverpool took advantage by going top with a win against strugglers Fulham.

After going ahead through Mane - his ninth goal in as many league games to taking his season tally to 17 - just before the half hour, a rare defensive mix-up between Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson allowed former Reds player Ryan Babel to tap home from close range.

An error from Cottagers 'keeper Sergio Rico at the other end then led to the Spaniard fouling Mane in the box with nine minutes to go, with James Milner coolly stepping up to convert the winner.

3 - Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham (March 31, 2019)

Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino celebrate during Liverpool v Tottenham

A last minute own goal kept Liverpool's title dreams alive with a pulsating 2-1 win over Tottenham putting them back on top of the table.

Firmino nodded Liverpool ahead in a first half they dominated, but a different Tottenham emerged after the interval and Lucas Moura levelled to set up a nerve-jangling last 20 minutes.

Both sides had chances to win it but in the end it was Mohamed Salah's header that somehow squirmed in through Toby Alderweireld and Huge Lloris and over the line at the Kop end.

Klopp's side held on to claim a huge three points to move back above Manchester City by two points having played a game more - the 24th lead change in an amazing race for the Premier League table.

4 - Southampton 1-3 Liverpool (April 5, 2019)

Jordan Henderson: The Liverpool captain (left) capped off Liverpool's 3-1 victory at Southampton

Salah ended his goal drought in sensational style as Liverpool reclaimed top spot in the Premier League by coming from behind to beat relegation-threatened Southampton 3-1.

Egyptian forward Salah ran from inside his own half to find the net for the first time in nine games, ten minutes from the end of the contest, to help the title-chasing Reds move two points ahead of rivals Manchester City.

Substitute Jordan Henderson tapped home a late third to seal the success after Naby Keita's first goal in English football cancelled out Shane Long's early opener for the in-form hosts.

With City in FA Cup semi-final action, Klopp's men would remain at the summit for another nine days at the very least.

5 - Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea (April 14, 2019)

Callum Hudson-Odoi and Andy Robertson keep an eye on the ball

Liverpool exorcised the ghosts of 2014 with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea to keep their Premier League title charge on track.

Mane's header early in the second half was followed moments later by a goal-of-the-season contender from Salah and, after two uncharacteristic misses by Eden Hazard, the Reds regained the top spot they had lost 90 minutes earlier to Manchester City.

Salah's goal was worthy of winning a title let alone a game, but for now Liverpool will settle for the latter.

A two-point lead over City, winners at Crystal Palace, was restored and proved Klopp's previous assertion that no-one is getting rid of his side in this most enthralling of races.

6 - Cardiff 0-2 Liverpool (April 21, 2019)

Jordan Henderson and James Milner celebrate for Liverpool in Wales

Liverpool once again answered Man City in this titanic Premier League title race by earning a 2-0 win at Cardiff to go back to the top of the table.

A fantastic Gini Wijnaldum strike and late Milner penalty saw them go two points above City once more, setting up a monumental Manchester derby as Guardiola's side have to win at Old Trafford to regain top spot.

7 - Liverpool 5-0 Huddersfield (April 26, 2019)

Sadio Mane gets Liverpool's second against Huddersfield

Liverpool's title destiny may be out of their hands but they refuse to submit, with the 5-0 demolition of Huddersfield.

The gap between top and bottom could not have been more glaring as the visitors were outclassed at Anfield. The relegated Terriers did themselves no favours after allowing Keita to score after just 16 seconds, Liverpool's quickest Premier League goal and their 100th in all competitions this season.

With principal owner John W Henry making a rare Anfield appearance, Mane and Salah both scored twice.

Liverpool now have the Premier League's top scorers this season (Salah 21, Mane 20) and with the team on course to reach 97 points it shows just how impressive City have had to be - and will still have to be - to deny the Reds their first title since 1990.

8 - Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool (May 4, 2019)

Liverpool celebrate their late winner at Newcastle

Salah was carried from the pitch on a stretcher as substitute Divock Origi kept Liverpool's Premier League title hopes alive with a last-gasp winner at Newcastle.

The Egypt international was hurt in a collision with Magpies keeper Martin Dubravka 68 minutes into a pulsating encounter at St James' Park to leave his participation in the upcoming Champions League semi-final second-leg clash with Barcelona in doubt.

His misfortune came during a breathless 3-2 victory at St James' Park which leaves the Reds two points clear and ensured that the race for the title will go to the final day of the season.

The Magpies levelled twice as Christian Atsu and Salomon Rondon cancelled out goals from Van Dijk and Salah, but it was Origi, whose late intervention clinched the derby victory over Everton earlier this season, who came to the rescue with just four minutes remaining.

9 - Liverpool 2-0 Wolves (May 12, 2019)

Jurgen Klopp celebrates Sadio Mane's goal against Wolves

Liverpool dreams of a first league title in 29 years were crushed despite a 2-0 win over Wolves.

Mane's 25th and 26th goals of the season upheld their end of the bargain on a tense and occasionally surreal final day of the Premier League campaign - but there was no fairytale finish as Manchester City won 4-1 at Brighton to extend the Anfield wait to be champions again.

The Reds' great manager Bill Shankly once insisted "first is first and second is nowhere" but that would be harsh on this current team's achievements. To put their season into perspective a record runners-up points tally of 97 is the third-highest in the top-flight's history, beaten only by City's 98 and 100 the year before.

10 - Liverpool 4-1 Norwich (August 9, 2019)

HIGHLIGHTS | Liverpool 4-1 Norwich | Premier League | 9th August 2019

Ruthless Liverpool gave Norwich a rude welcome back to the Premier League as they inflicted a 4-1 rout at Anfield on the opening game of the season, but there was a worrying sight for Klopp as goalkeeper Alisson hobbled off before half-time.

Norwich, back in the top flight after a three-year absence, gifted the European champions a seventh-minute lead via Grant Hanley's own goal and quickly crumbled as Salah, Van Dijk and Origi added to the score before half-time.

The Canaries looked much better in the second half as Teemu Pukki pulled a goal back but there was nothing they could do to prevent a 10th straight Premier League win for the hosts.

11 - Southampton 1-2 Liverpool (August 17, 2019)

HIGHLIGHTS | Southampton 1-2 Liverpool | Premier League | 17th August 2019

Liverpool made light of their exhaustive midweek jaunt to Turkey to post a joint club-record 11th straight Premier League win with a 2-1 success at Southampton.

Goalkeeper Adrian was declared fit for this one after picking up an ankle injury when a fan slid into him during the celebrations of the midweek Super Cup win in Istanbul, which meant 35-year-old Andy Lonergan was denied becoming the oldest ever Premier League debutant.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made his first league start since April 2018 after returning from his long term injury.

Goals from Mane and Firmino kept up their impressive domestic record as they have won every game going back to the Merseyside derby on March 3 and are unbeaten in 19 overall.

12 - Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal (August 24, 2019)

HIGHLIGHTS | Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal | Premier League | 24th August 2019

Salah scored twice as Liverpool beat Arsenal 3-1 to open up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Joel Matip headed Liverpool in front four minutes before the break, rewarding their first-half superiority from a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner. Liverpool doubled their lead four minutes after the restart when David Luiz grabbed Salah's shirt following a delicious touch from Firmino.

Salah swept home from the penalty spot and secured Liverpool's third straight victory after 58 minutes. Arsenal's 100 per cent record was well and truly gone, but substitute Lucas Torreira struck a consolation five minutes from time to give the Gunners some cheer.

13 - Burnley 0-3 Liverpool (August 31, 2019)

Alexander-Arnold scores 30-yard deflected cross | Burnley 0-3 Liverpool | Premier League Highlights

Liverpool head into the international break on top of the Premier League after extending their 100 per cent record to four matches with a 3-0 win at Burnley.

An own goal by Chris Wood, deflecting in Alexander-Arnold's cross, was added to by Mane and Firmino as Klopp's side regained top spot just over two hours after City had briefly overtaken them.

It was an afternoon of firsts for the Reds. First time the club have won 13 consecutive league matches. First time they have have won their opening four matches in back-to-back seasons. First clean sheet of the season. And Firmino becoming the first Brazilian to score 50 Premier League goals.

But this was a different type of victory to what had gone before, grinding it out before moving through the gears when they spotted the right opportunity.

14 - Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle (September 14, 2019)

Mane scores two as Liverpool come from behind! | Liverpool 3-1 Newcastle | Premier League Highlights

A Mane brace helped Liverpool come from behind to beat Newcastle 3-1 in the Premier League's early kick-off at Anfield, and maintain their 100 per cent winning start to the season.

Jetro Willems stunned Anfield by firing Steve Bruce's side into an early with a brilliant strike but the Reds responded in style.

Mane netted twice before the interval and Salah added the third after an exquisite piece of skill from the outstanding Firmino, who had started on the bench.

Victory was Liverpool's fifth in an impressive start to the league season and was the perfect warm-up for the start of their Champions League defence at Napoli the following week.

15 - Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool (September 22, 2019)

HIGHLIGHTS! Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool | 22nd September 2019

Liverpool were pushed all the way by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and had to hang on in the end to make it six wins in a row with a 2-1 success.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Firmino grabbed the first half goals, either side of Chelsea having a goal ruled out by VAR, before the excellent N'Golo Kante pulled one back in the second half to set up a frantic finish.

Liverpool missed chances to kill the game off, while Chelsea missed a couple of opportunities to secure a point in what was a fascinating contest - with Frank Lampard's men finishing the stronger and forcing the European champions to hang on in the end.

Klopp's side restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a sixth straight win of the season, and 15th overall in their magnificent run, while Chelsea were applauded off by the home crowd after putting up a hugely promising performance - especially the magnificent Kante in his first game back from injury.

16 - Sheffield United 0-1 Liverpool (September 28, 2019)

Henderson howler hands Liverpool win | Sheffield Utd 0-1 Liverpool | Premier League Highlights

Liverpool made it seven wins from seven, as an error from goalkeeper Dean Henderson gifted them all three points at Sheffield United.

Liverpool had failed to generate a shot on target for the first 69 minutes, but bang on the 70 minute mark Georginio Wijnaldum fired low and slow from the edge of the area right at Henderson.

The keeper had been a spectator for most of the match and that possibly led to a lack of concentration, as he let the ball tamely through his legs and it crept over the line.

It was harsh on the Blades who had created the better chances, without fully testing Adrian in the Liverpool goal, and Liverpool know they got away with one at Bramall Lane, highlighted by the Liverpool stopper being booked for time wasting on just the 83rd minute.

It is now 16 straight league wins for Liverpool, and 24 unbeaten in the league in total.

17 - Liverpool 2-1 Leicester (October 5, 2019)

Milner scores last minute penalty! | Liverpool 2-1 Leicester | Premier League Highlights

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table in dramatic fashion as they beat high-flying Leicester 2-1.

Of all people, it looked like Brendan Rodgers was going to end Liverpool's winning run at 16 games as the visitors drew level with the Reds thanks to James Maddison's goal eight minutes from time at Anfield.

Mane had put the home side ahead five minutes before half-time with this 50th Premier League goal for Liverpool - but all the drama was to come late on in an end-to-end finish to the game.

First, Maddison drew the visitors level, Liverpool having wasted chances to put the game to bed, before Marc Albrighton's foul on Mane allowed Milner to nervelessly convert a penalty in the fifth minute of time added on.

Credit to Rodgers for encouraging his side to go for three points, but the Foxes return home with nothing after Liverpool made it 17 wins on the spin to move eight points clear of Manchester City, who were beaten by Wolves the following day.

Next up: Manchester United v Liverpool

When: October 20, 2019 at 1630 BST

James Milner celebrates his goal against Leicester

Opta stats

Man Utd are unbeaten in their last five home league meetings with Liverpool (W3 D2), their longest run without defeat against them at Old Trafford since a run of 10 between February 1991 and March 2000.
Only Man City (7) and Chelsea (6) have won more Premier League away games against Manchester United than Liverpool (5).
Four of the last six Premier League meetings between Man Utd and Liverpool have ended level (one win each) – just four of the previous 36 between the sides had been drawn.
This is the first time Liverpool are facing Man Utd in a Premier League match while being top of the table since October 1996 – with Man Utd winning 1-0 at Old Trafford thanks to a David Beckham strike.
In Premier League history, Man Utd have taken more penalties against Liverpool than they have vs any other side (10), while it’s also the most Liverpool have faced against a single opponent. Man Utd have taken 145 penalties overall in the division to 69 faced, the biggest such difference in the competition (76).
Liverpool are one win away from equalling the all-time English top-flight record of 18 consecutive victories, set by Manchester City between August and December 2017.
Since beating Chelsea 4-0 on the opening weekend, Manchester United have failed to score more than once in any of their last 10 games in all competitions. It’s their longest run of failing to score more than once since a run of 13 between May - September 2007.
Manchester United have already lost one home league game this season – the last time they lost as many as two of their opening five home games from the start of a campaign was in 1990-91.
In his Liverpool career, Jürgen Klopp has managed more away games against Manchester United without victory than he has any other side in all competitions (D3 L1).
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has failed to score or assist a single goal in his four Premier League appearances against Man Utd – they’re the only side he’s faced more than once while failing to register a single goal involvement.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has created eight goalscoring opportunities for Roberto Firmino in the Premier League so far this season – no player has provided more for a specific teammate coming into this matchday.
33% of Marcus Rashford’s Premier League goals have come against ‘big six’ opponents (10/30). The Man Utd forward averages a goal every 208 minutes against such opposition, compared to one every 266 minutes against other sides.