Liverpool thrashed Tottenham 5-1 to win the Premier League title at an emotional Anfield on Sunday, securing a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.
Arne Slot’s side came back from conceding an unexpected opening goal to overwhelm the first half as the decibel level reached fever pitch among 60,000-plus audience. Liverpool, who can no longer be overtaken by second-placed Arsenal, are now on terms with bitter enemies Manchester United as the joint-most successful club in English top-flight history. Slot’s side began on the front foot at Anfield in front of an expectant crowd after a stirring rendition of club anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in the warm spring sun.
Tottenham’s Early Lead and Liverpool’s Response
Mohamed Salah had an early sighter and Cody Gakpo came close with a stunning overhead kick but Tottenham threatened to be party poopers for a moment when Dominic Solanke powered in a header from a James Maddison corner in the 12th minute.
But Liverpool were back on level terms just four minutes later when Luis Diaz headed in Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross from close range. The offside flag was raised but VAR gave the goal.
Liverpool’s Dominant Display and Tottenham’s Struggles
The momentum was now firmly with Liverpool and the home side were in front in the 24th minute when Alexis Mac Allister smashed the ball home from the 18-yard line past flying Guglielmo Vicario.
The party was now well and truly underway and Gakpo doubled it to 3 goals against 1, shooting firmly into the bottom corner after Spurs were unable to clear.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou had named eight from the side beaten by Nottingham Forest a week earlier since he has semi-finals of the Europa League ahead of him as priority and now they faced an uphill task.
Fans Celebrate Liverpool’s Long-Awaited Triumph
The Covid-restricted fans who could not celebrate the 2020 Premier League title ran through all the songs in their repertoire as the team went searching for a fourth goal during the second half.
Top-scorer Salah marked the goal the fans had been craving, taking Szoboszlai’s pass before cutting inside and thudding his shot into the bottom corner.
He commemorated the occasion by snatching a fan’s phone before having a selfie taken in front of the Kop.
Deafening chants of “We’re going to win the league” and “We shall not be moved” echoed.
Spurs’ Misery Continues as Liverpool Celebrate in Style
Liverpool also had a fifth when Spurs defender Destiny Udogie prodded the ball past his own goalkeeper from in front with about 20 minutes remaining as the game became a procession.
As the game entered added time the club’s song resounded once more as scarves waved in the air and the final whistle brought a deafening roar.
The victory leaves Liverpool on 82 points, 15 ahead of closest challengers Arsenal with only four games left.
Tottenham are a woeful 16th in the Premier League standings following their 19th loss of the campaign, leaving Postecoglou under huge pressure.
Tens of thousands of supporters thronged around Anfield ahead of kick-off expecting Liverpool’s coronation, firing off flares as the home team bus pulled up.
Scarves and flags reading “Liverpool 20-time Champions” were being sold from stalls outside the stadium.
Journey of Liverpool to the Title Under Arne Slot
Early in the campaign, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were favourites to continue their dynastic Premier League dominance and achieve five titles in succession but their form disintegrated.
Arsenal were their nearest challengers but they drew too many matches, unable to capitalize on the occasional Liverpool slip.
It was hoped Liverpool’s team would take some time to acclimatise to the way of Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp in May last year after the German departed following nine treble-winning seasons at Anfield.
But the ex-Feyenoord gaffer has ridden smoothly through the campaign amid persistent speculation about the futures of three of his superstars Salah, skipper Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Both Salah and Van Dijk have now signed two-year extensions, though England defender Alexander-Arnold is believed likely to be on the verge of a move to Real Madrid.