One place meant 1 point. The next meant 18.

Observation

While it’s a little dated now, the 2021/22 finish makes the point beautifully. Manchester City won the title on 93 points and Liverpool followed on 92 — just 1 point back. Chelsea were next on 74, so the very next one-place step in the table was 18 points. League position tells you order, not distance.