BIRMINGHAM — When you say it out loud it sounds a bit wild but when you think about it, it really isn’t: Aston Villa should be Premier League title contenders next season. Even the most ardent Villa supporter may raise an eyebrow at that statement, but why?

Liverpool roared back from a goal behind to thrash Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 and wrap up the Premier League title in style on a momentous day at a sun-drenched Anfield on Sunday. Needing only a point to ensure a record-equalling 20th English title with four games remaining,

By winning the Premier League title this season, Liverpool has done what no other top-flight English team has managed since 2017. That is to be a surprise champion. “What we do know is that no one saw us as a title contender when we started at the beginning of the season,