Progression: Liverpool Crowned Top-Four Mini League Winners

History normally determines that the winner of the "top-four" mini-league goes on to take the Premier League title with four of the last five seasons following this pattern. 

It is widely considered that taking the most points from the other "top-four" teams is a vital ingredient in becoming English domestic champions, however with the current campaign just one game from completion, Liverpool run-away winners of the mini-league and Manchester United already being crowned champions, history will not be repeating itself this time around.

Since his arrival in the summer of 2004 Rafa Benitez has struggled to dominate games against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United with only 17 points from the 72 on offer and finishing bottom of the mini-league every season.

But as the Spaniard propels the club steadily forward he has once again shown that he is on the right road to success with another progressive season that has seen an impressive turn-around against his "top-four" rivals.

Top Four Mini-League 2008-09

Team	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Points		League
Liverpool	4	2	0	14	7	14		2nd
Arsenal	2	3	1	10	11	9		4th
United	1	2	3	7	9	5		1st
Chelsea	1	1	4	6	10	4		3rd

Despite a poor run of results for Manchester United which saw them win just one game against their title rivals, it was their incredible performances against the other 16 teams in the league which ensured they won their third English title in three years.

The current league champions managed 26 wins and four draws from the 32 games against teams outside the 'top four' with just the one loss against Fulham and one more game against Hull City still to play.

Some have suggested that it shows Manchester United are not as great a team that many have lauded over the recent months when compared to the other top sides and the quality between the top three or four clubs is alot closer than United are probably comfortable with.

On their day, any one of the 'top-four' clubs can be considered the best team in the country.

But the strength in depth and the quality of the players involved at United have proven the key factor during an incredibly long and very hard fought campaign that has seen them fighting for honours in the Premier League, World Club Cup winners, FA Cup semi-finalists, League Cup winners, a second Champions League final in two seasons and UEFA Super Cup runners-up.

Liverpool's run of form over the last few months has seen an impressive attacking unit that has ensured they finish as the leagues top scorers and proven to many with dominant displays against Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea that they are finally being considered as genuine Premier League title rivals alongside being one of the best teams in European competitions.

Benitez has once again shown progression with his team as Liverpool record their highest ever Premier League points total and the possibility of finishing an agonisingly close four points from newly crowned champions Manchester United should ensure that next season will definitely be one to watch for Liverpool supporters.

And no doubt for Manchester United supporters aswell.