Why consistency is the true kingmaker in the Premier League

THE secret formula to thriving in the Premier League is called consistency. Any team can assemble the best players in the world, but without consistency, they will achieve nothing.

Currently, three teams are showing consistency: one is leading the Premier League table, and the other two have won five games in a row.

Arne Slot inherited a solid squad from his predecessor, but the primary reason Liverpool are leading the league is the squad’s consistency. After 19 games, Liverpool have won 79% of them and suffered only one defeat since the start of the season.

This consistency has helped Liverpool build a significant gap at the top of the table, with an additional game in hand. A flexible style of play underpins their success.

Liverpool can blitz opponents when they desire and sit back when the game demands it – a stark contrast to the “heavy metal football” of their previous manager.

However, against Manchester United, Liverpool’s winning run came to a halt.

Ruben Amorim’s men rolled into Anfield and delivered a spirited performance against both their opponents and the weather.

True to form, United consistently show up against their biggest rivals. Just a month ago, they defeated Manchester City at the Etihad, and this time they frustrated another title-challenging rivals by securing a point in an entertaining 2-2 draw, with all the goals coming in the second half.

Amorim had a clear plan: target Liverpool’s right-hand side, where Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a torrid game, failing to win a single duel during his 86 minutes on the pitch.

Perhaps Alexander-Arnold is contemplating a move to a sunnier climate in Madrid to escape the cold weather.

With such an encouraging result, United probably hope to build some consistency and climb up the league table. The starting eleven at Anfield could serve as the template that Amorim needs to close the gap at the top half of the table.

Speaking of consistency, the same cannot be said for title challengers Arsenal and Chelsea.

After drawing a few games before the festive season, many thought Arsenal finally found their rhythm. Despite Arsenal’s early lead, Brighton held them back at the Amex.

Brighton equalised through a dubious penalty, and Arsenal’s inconsistency in attack continues to hinder their title challenge. Mikel Arteta must use the January transfer window to address this issue.

Gabriel Jesus has been inconsistent, and although Arsenal have a strong defence and midfield, they lack the necessary attacking power – a problem the management must resolve.

Another striker struggling with consistency is Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea. Jackson squandered several golden opportunities to extend Chelsea’s lead after Cole Palmer opened the scoring.

These missed chances came back to haunt Enzo Maresca’s men, as Crystal Palace equalised.

Chelsea are now winless in four games, and their title challenge is fading. For a squad as expensively assembled as Chelsea, they should be firmly in the title race, but their No. 9 continues to disappoint.

One striker slowly regaining his form is Erling Haaland, who netted twice against West Ham. However, the star of the show was Savinho. After scoring his first goal for the club, Savinho looks like the player who excelled at Girona last season.

Could the consistency of both Haaland and Savinho turn City’s season around? Can they fight their way back to secure a coveted Champions League spot this season?

The hottest and most consistent team now are Newcastle. Eddie Howe’s men have won five games in a row, with the latest victory coming at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Despite conceding early, Howe’s team remained calm and stuck to their brand of football. We can attribute Newcastle’s resurgence to Sandro Tonali’s transition to the No. 6 role.

The Magpies boast an energetic midfield capable of outworking most opposition teams. Can Howe’s team sustain this consistency to keep the traditional “Big Six” out of the Champions League spots?

Who would have thought the secret to winning a league is consistency?

It’s simple to preach but hard to achieve – not just consistency in results, but also in ensuring players perform at their best level.

The best managers in the world are experts at motivating their players to deliver consistently, week in and week out. Here’s hoping the title race drama continues with the same intensity – it would be beneficial for everyone in the football world.