Liverpool Celebrate Record-Equalling 20th League Title
Liverpool celebrated a historic Premier League title triumph, equalling the record of 20 league championships held by their neighbours Manchester United, following a resounding 5-1 victory over visitors Tottenham Hotspur in Matchweek 34.
Needing only a draw to clinch the title with four games to spare — after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last Wednesday — the “Reds” instead delivered a perfect result, securing their third consecutive win and their 25th victory of the season.
However, Liverpool didn’t start the match as planned, falling behind in the 12th minute to a header from Dominic Solanke after a corner delivered by James Maddison. But just four minutes later, Colombian forward Luis Díaz levelled the score with his 12th league goal of the season, finishing off a cross from Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
Arne Slot’s men didn’t have to wait long to take the lead, as Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister fired a stunning long-range strike into the net in the 24th minute.
Liverpool extended their advantage when Cody Gakpo added a third goal, capitalizing on a poorly cleared corner that he slotted low into the right corner (34’).
The “Reds” confirmed their third win over Tottenham this season — after a 6-3 away victory in the league, a 4-0 triumph in the second leg of the EFL competition — when Egyptian star Mohamed Salah scored the fourth goal in the 63rd minute. It came after a swift counterattack beginning deep in Liverpool’s half, led by the outstanding Szoboszlai, who set up Salah to toy with the defense before firing home with his left foot.
Salah raised his tally to 28 league goals to top the scorers’ chart, and to 33 goals in 48 matches across all competitions this season.
Salah was also behind Liverpool’s fifth goal, as his cross was inadvertently turned into the net by Italian defender Destiny Udogie in the 69th minute, sparking massive celebrations at Anfield and across the city.
Persistence Leads to Triumph
After the final whistle, manager Arne Slot said:
“It was very clear to us that we could not lose this match. Everyone on the bus said it was impossible for us to lose. The players always find a way to win.”
He added:“I am extremely proud, not just of the players, but of everyone involved — the sporting directors, my technical staff — they all deserve a big round of applause. Let’s forget that it’s only the second time Liverpool have won the league in 35 years, and instead say it’s the second time in five years.”
Meanwhile, Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk revealed:
“There were a lot of emotions before the game, throughout the whole week, but we got the job done properly, and we are deservedly champions of England. It’s the best club in the world, and I think we fully deserve all of this. Let’s enjoy the next two weeks and take in what we’ve achieved.”
The celebrations were especially poignant compared to 2020, when Liverpool’s title was won behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Van Dijk said:“I was desperate to win the title for them and for all the fans around the world, and for ourselves too. We have now won two Premier League titles in five years.”
Indeed, this win carried a much deeper meaning than the 2020 triumph, as it was celebrated in front of thousands of fans, who sang alongside the players and technical staff the famous Liverpool anthem: “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
