Greatest team in English history

LIVERPOOL are the greatest team in English football history — and that’s official. 

The Premier League era may have left the Reds potless in terms of titles but they still top the table of the most successful clubs in England. 

The Reds last won the title in 1990. But since the formation of the Premier League in 1992, they have watched Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea fill their boots. 

And even Everton’s consistency in the elite league sees them in third, one place ahead of modern-day greats United. 

But 18 league titles and only 12 seasons outside the top flight means Liverpool are the all-time kings of the elite league — which is based on the number of points won since the inaugural Football League in 1888. 

The table — revealed by TalkSport — awards two points for a win and one for a draw from 1888-1981 and three points for a win and one for a draw from the 1981-82 season onwards. 

1. LIVERPOOL - 5,201 POINTS

THE Kop heroes were untouchable during the 70s and 80s when they won 11 titles in just 17 years. Their tally of 18 titles was eventually passed by Manchester United in 2011. 

Since their formation in 1892 they have spent only 12 seasons outside the top division and have been ever-present since promotion under Bill Shankly in 1962. 

But lean times followed and they have only two top-two finishes in the last 21 years. 

2. ARSENAL - 5,134 POINTS

 

A SENSATIONAL unbroken record run of 93 seasons (excluding war years) in the top flight sees Arsenal pushing Liverpool hard for top spot. 

They have 13 titles but have not won any silverware since 2005. Their last top-flight honours came in 2003-04 when they were crowned ‘The Invincibles’ for going through the season unbeaten. 

Interestingly, they would be top if the table was compiled using results from the 20th Century. 

3. EVERTON - 5,036 POINTS

 

IT has been 26 years since Everton won the last of their nine league championships. 

They have been ever-present at the highest level since 1954 — although they have finished just one place above the Premier League drop zone on three occasions. 

Formed in 1878, Everton were founding members of the Football League in 1888 and have spent just four years outside of the elite division. 

4. MAN UTD - 4,947 POINTS

 

A RECORD 19 league titles — 12 of them under Alex Ferguson — has helped the cause. 

But it was not until Matt Busby won five titles in the 50s and 60s that the United bandwagon really got going. 

Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford in 1986 aiming to “knock Liverpool off their perch” and he finally achieved his ambition in 2011. 

United are now threatening to overtake Everton and Arsenal. 

5. ASTON VILLA - 4,597 POINTS
 
TALK about former glory. Villa won the last of their seven titles in 1981, although they were runners-up in the first Premier League.

They have spent 101 seasons at the top level — second only to Everton — but they are currently relegation candidates.


6. CHELSEA - 3,817 POINTS 
 
THE Blues have rattled up the points since Roman Abramovich bought them in 2003.

They first won the league championship in 1955 and three more have followed in the Abramovich era.

Chelsea are on a run of 24 straight seasons in the top flight — but they trail Villa by a long way.


7. TOTTENHAM - 3,808 POINTS 
 
DESPITE their proud history, Spurs remain a cup-winning team.

They won the league in 1951 and again 10 years later when they landed the Double — their last championship.

Their highest placing in recent times is third in 1990.


8. MAN CITY - 3,724 POINTS
 
A SEASON spent in League One in 1998-99 seriously affected City’s points total.

But they have since clawed their way back up the elite division and have improved quickly.

They won the Premier League last season, their first top-flight title since 1968.


9. NEWCASTLE - 3,688 POINTS
 
TOON last won the championship in 1927 — their fourth triumph — so it is little wonder they are ninth in the all-time list.

The Magpies’ most successful period came between 1904 and 1910, when they won an FA Cup and three of their First Division titles.


10. SUNDERLAND - 3,349 POINTS
 
SINCE being formed in 1879, Sunderland have won six First Division titles — in 1892, 1893, 1895, 1902, 1913 and 1936.

The former powerhouses of English football have enjoyed 82 seasons in the top flight. But evidence of lesser times comes via five second-tier titles and one in the third.

source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4737772/Liverpool-are-the-greatest-team-in-England-thats-OFFICIAL.html