How Liverpool's first 12 games compare to previous seasons under Jurgen Klopp

"It gives me completely new energy," said Jurgen Klopp of his new-look Liverpool side earlier this season.

After a summer of incomings and outgoings at Anfield, the Reds have been rejuvenated at the beginning of the new campaign.

Of course, there have been lows, but it's largely been a season of renewed hope for the Reds as they continue to climb the table and impress on the pitch.

Jurgen Klopp's men currently sit second in the Premier League after a 3-0 win over Brentford at the weekend and things are looking pretty rosy on Merseyside.

But just how good has Liverpool's start to the season been? Let's compare it to previous campaigns under Klopp.

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POSITION

As mentioned, Liverpool find themselves second in the league table after 12 matches this term, highlighting just how much the Reds have improved since the same time last season.

This time last year, Liverpool found themselves seventh after as many matches, with a 1-0 win over West Ham United lifting them above Brighton in late October.

That's a pretty stark contrast, although last season was an uncharacteristically poor start under Klopp.

In full seasons under Klopp, Liverpool have only been lower than second after 12 matches on two occasions, the other being during the 2017/18 campaign in which they found themselves in fifth.

Generally, Liverpool have been fast starters in the Klopp era, often more guilty of a mid-season wobble.

2016/17 - 1st

2017/18 - 5th

2018/19 - 2nd

2019/20 - 1st

2020/21 - 2nd

2021/22 - 2nd

2022/23 - 7th

2023/24 - 2nd

POINTS

After Sunday's 3-0 win, Liverpool have now amassed 27 points from 12 matches, picking up eight wins, three draws and just the one unfortunate defeat away at Tottenham. If it wasn't for the VAR debacle in north London, the Reds would be the only unbeaten side in the division.

Just the one point off Manchester City in first, but also just two points ahead of Aston Villa in fifth, Liverpool would finish on a grand total of 86 should they continue earning points at their current rate (2.25 per match).

At this stage last term, the Reds had 11 fewer points than they have this season, managing just 16 from 12 games. While there were just two defeats in that run, there were also five draws.

There has been mixed opinions on whether or not Liverpool can truly fight for the title this season and they find themselves seven points off the tally they had when they lifted the Premier League trophy in 2019/20. After 12 matches, Klopp's men were already eight points clear of second place.

2016/17 - 27pts

2017/18 - 22pts

2018/19 - 30pts

2019/20 - 34pts

2020/21 - 25pts

2021/22 - 25pts

2022/23 - 16pts

2023/24 - 27pts

GOAL DIFFERENCE

For all the talk of Liverpool's defensive frailties this season, the Reds have conceded the joint fewest goals in the Premier League. Tied with Arsenal, they have shipped just ten in 12 matches.

Having netted 27, the Reds currently have a +17 goal difference, much improved from last season's total. While Liverpool had a +10 goal difference at this stage in 2022/23, that was largely down to a 9-0 drubbing of Bournemouth.

While the Reds' current +17 goal difference is lower than three other seasons under Klopp, it's only one fewer than the 2019/20 title-winning campaign.

Overall, based on the club's most successful seasons under Klopp, Liverpool are on track for a good finish.

2016:17: +16

2017/18: +7

2018/19: +18

2019/20: +18

2020/21: +9

2021/22: +24

2022/23: +10

2023/24: +17