This season's congested football schedule was always going to affect certain leagues and teams, contributing to results that may not have happened in the past.
One such strange result that may not have occurred in ‘normal circumstances’ was Aston Villa’s 7-2 demolition of reigning champions Liverpool on Sunday night.
The result was one of the most surprising in the history of the Premier League. The Villans were brilliant with recent signing Ollie Watkins grabbing a hat-trick, while Jack Grealish bossed the midfield, also scoring twice for the team from the Midlands.
Villa deserved massive credit for their display. However, there is a massive but in that the Reds produced the sort defensive display straight from a Sunday league game.
Liverpool’s defence were completed unrecognisable from the one that conceded the fewest goals last season as Jurgen Klopp’s team dominated the English top-flight. Suddenly the formidable force fell apart like a blomonge falling off a table at a kids party.
Some will say that this game was maybe a one-off or a once in a career match. However, the signs have been evident all seasons that Liverpool may not be the formidable defensive force of last season.
The Merseysider’s have now conceded 11 goals. Only top-flight new boys West Brom have conceded more Premier League goals than Klopp’s team. The champions have also kept just one clean in their four top-flight games this season.
The defensive deficiencies have given other teams hope that Klopp’s team are not as formidable as last season when they strolled to the top-flight title. With other so-called ‘title contenders’ also struggling for form, this could be a highly interesting campaign in the English top-flight.
If results continue in the same unpredictable reign vein then who knows the Premier League may even have a new winner in season 2020/21.