Complex sentence: However, despite topping the league table for much of the season, the Blues lost all four matches against title rivals and reigning champions Cliftonville, which ultimately proved costly as the Reds eventually retained the title by six points, with Linfield finishing as runners-up.
Split into simpler sentences: However, despite topping the table for much of the season, the four head-to-head defeats against title rivals and reigning champions Cliftonville ultimately cost the team. Cliftonville eventually retained the title with a six-point gap, with Linfield finishing as runners-up.