Arsenal, Chelsea, Man United, Man City and Spurs beware - Liverpool WILL finish in top 4

LIVERPOOL supporters can relax for the rest of the season - by topping the table after three games they are GUARANTEED a place in the Champions League, according to these fascinating stats.

Gerrard lifted the famous European crown back in 2005 [GETTY]

Brendan Rodgers has overseen the Reds best start to a campaign for 19 years with wins over Stoke City, Aston Villa and Manchester United.

And according to OPTA stats, every club that has topped the Premier League table after three games in the last five seasons goes onto secure a place in Europe's elite competition.
However the only disappointment for Liverpool fans will be that none of the early pacesetters have gone onto win the Premier League title.

Sturridge has hit three match winners for Liverpool in their opening set of fixtures [GETTY]
 

Chelsea, followed by Liverpool, were the early leaders in the 2008-09 season with seven points from their opening three matches.

The Blues eventually finished the season in third place.

Chelsea started the 2008-09 season in great form [GETTY]

 
Chelsea were top in 2008-09 and finished third

Fast forward 12 months and it was Tottenham leading the Premier League table with a maximum of nine points.
Harry Redknapp's side went onto finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League ahead of big spending Manchester City.

Peter Crouch's header sealed Champions League football for Spurs [GETTY]

Spurs hung onto 4th place in 2009-10

Champions Chelsea led the table at the beginning of the 2010-11 campaign with three wins from three, scoring 14 goals and conceding none in the process.

The Blues would clinch a place amongst Europe's elite, but finished second behind Manchester United in the race for the title.

Ancelotti could only secure Champions League football in his second and final season at Stamford Bridge [GETTY]

Chelsea were runners-up in 2010-11

United began the next season in ominous form with a perfect start, but ended the campaign in second behind rivals Manchester City.

City, who were second after three matches, clinched their first Premier League title on goal difference.

United started the 2011-12 season in blistering form, but would lose out to City finishing second [GETTY]

Manchester City were 2nd after three games in 2011-12 and won the league

Chelsea, once again, led after three games last year, but only secured Champions League football thanks to a revival under Rafa Benitez.

Benitez helped Chelsea secure Champions League football last season with a third place finish [GETTY]

Last season Chelsea were in top slot early on and finished 3rd

One thing is for sure, Liverpool fans will be hoping the stats are proven right once again and Rodgers can lead Gerrard & Co back to those big European nights at Anfield.

This year Liverpool are in pole position to secure Champions League football