Liverpool may have got off to a flying start to the new Premier League season but they have set an unwelcomed landmark in the process.
The Reds extended their winning run to five on Saturday as they dominated Tottenham on route to a 2-1 win at Wembley.
Two could have easily been five or six on the day, with Jurgen Klopp’s men guilty of an unusual wastefulness in the final third.
It was for the absence of conviction that only fuelled hopes of mounting a title challenge on the basis of there being plenty more to come from Liverpool.
With Chelsea also winning later in the day, it marks the first time since 1908 that two clubs have won their opening five games, according to Opta stats.
It does, however, also mean Liverpool are the first team in 110 years to win their first five games and not boast a place at the top of the Premier League table.
This came down to Chelsea’s superior goal difference on the back of their 4-1 win at home to Cardiff City.
3 – This is the third time in English top-flight history, and first time in 110 years, that two clubs have won their opening five games of the season (1905-06 and 1908-09). Antique.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 15, 2018
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It poses as the latest reminder of the monumental task Liverpool face as they seek long-awaited title glory.
Not only will it require overcoming one of the most talented sides in the Premier League era in Manchester City, but also beating a Chelsea side showing no sign of slowing up.
Liverpool will get their first look at the joint-leaders in ten days when they host Maurizio Sarri’s men in a League Cup clash at Anfield.
Klopp and his men will then travel to Stamford Bridge three days later for an intriguing first meeting in the league in the middle of what could be a difficult and telling month of fixtures for the Reds.