One man's thoughts.

It should be a much closer race than it is. LFC and their fans need to give plenty of thanks Man City has left so many points wanting. They have 5 more goals than LFC - they're still strong as hell poking balls into the net. But, because they have given up 29 goals, they have not optimized their standings. LFC, by contrast has given up only 15 goals. HUGE difference.

So to your question, my thought is Man City has taken a TON of stress off LFC in that regard - it should be much closer.

Leicester's having a good season, but a few head scratchers themselves. They could be putting much more pressure on LFC themselves.

Chelsea's had quite a rebuilding season with many ups and downs. They probably get a pass this season for not putting more pressure on LFC.

Tottenham's been a confusing shit show.

Those squads should have placed the most pressure on LFC. Man City has not been able to get out of their own way, and the rest have had too many let downs through the season to put that pressure on.

Closing thoughts - Championship Teams play like Champions before they are Champions. If we speak only of the PL, LFC's played like Champions all season. They have not played perfectly, they've had some lucky breaks, they've had some near-misses go their way. But not a man loafs, they have their heads in the game at every position, they have a good bench, they have both good D and O, and their goalkeeping has been stellar, even the sub goalie.

So, the combination of lucky having some of the stress taken off plus playing like that stress is still there has lead to such a wide lead from top to second. It will be interesting to see how the season ends, because as many understand regression to the mean nearly always happens. LFC just needs to keep playing like Champions and all will be well.