Liverpool’s key advantage over Manchester City was their ability to better organise attacks and manage the transition to defence
It has become increasingly clear this season that, at elite level, two attributes separate the very best managers from the rest: their capacity to manage the transition from attack to defence; and their ability to organise an attack, particularly against deep-lying opponents. Jürgen Klopp has excelled at both and the Swabian school of pressing, of which he is the leading practitioner, becomes ever more widespread.
The figures have been muddied by Liverpool’s recent relaxation but, after 31 games of the season, the week the title was confirmed, Manchester City had scored seven more goals than Liverpool; Liverpool had conceded 12 fewer. Essentially, what separated them this season was that Liverpool defended better.
Related: Premier League 2019-20 review: managers of the season
Related: Premier League 2019-20 review: goals of the season
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