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Liverpool are crowned Premier League champions – live reaction! Liverpool are crowned Premier League champions – live reaction!
(32 minutes later)
Rolling report: It’s been a long time coming, but Liverpool have won their first league title in 30 years. Niall McVeigh has reactionRolling report: It’s been a long time coming, but Liverpool have won their first league title in 30 years. Niall McVeigh has reaction
Another question for you, readers: where does this Liverpool team rank among the great English league champions? They are very much in the Premier League-era conversation. But are they better than City in 2017-18, Arsenal’s Invincibles or United’s treble winners? Drop me a line with your thoughts.
This video is well worth a watch, as my colleague (and diehard Liverpool fan) Sachin Nakrani recounts his team’s progress in five years under Klopp:
Want representations of the historical significance of Liverpool’s title in chart form? You’re in luck:
Liverpool is a city that has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and local government budget cuts, but today is a celebration - even for some Evertonians. Helen Pidd has been out to capture the mood:
Liverpool fans have been out and about around Anfield today, although thankfully in smaller, better distanced numbers than last night. One such fan was Jean Smith, who demonstrated a decent first touch in a kickabout with her grandson.
Klopp mentioned changing his team every year, and Liverpool fan Ben Sanders has some thoughts:Klopp mentioned changing his team every year, and Liverpool fan Ben Sanders has some thoughts:
“We need several players. We’ve romped to the league, but our squad’s thin and our performance in the cups has been disappointing.“We need several players. We’ve romped to the league, but our squad’s thin and our performance in the cups has been disappointing.
We badly need a creative attacking midfielder (no, not Coutinho). Firmino and Salah need competition, Origi isn’t good enough and the jury’s out on Minamino. Someone like Adama Traoré would be fantastic.We badly need a creative attacking midfielder (no, not Coutinho). Firmino and Salah need competition, Origi isn’t good enough and the jury’s out on Minamino. Someone like Adama Traoré would be fantastic.
“I think we’ve got enough quality in our academy to cover our defence, especially if Neco Williams is able to fill in at left-back. Will we actually sign anyone? I expect at least one arrival, but I don’t expect a net spend of more than £20m.”“I think we’ve got enough quality in our academy to cover our defence, especially if Neco Williams is able to fill in at left-back. Will we actually sign anyone? I expect at least one arrival, but I don’t expect a net spend of more than £20m.”
Afternoon, everyone. Here are some more choice quotes from Jurgen Klopp, taken at today’s press conference:Afternoon, everyone. Here are some more choice quotes from Jurgen Klopp, taken at today’s press conference:
That’s all from me. I’ll hand you over to Niall McVeigh, who is going to host the blog for the next couple of hours. You can email him here. Have a nice weekend, bye!That’s all from me. I’ll hand you over to Niall McVeigh, who is going to host the blog for the next couple of hours. You can email him here. Have a nice weekend, bye!
“Dear Rob et al,” says Jamie. “I revelled in the Paisley era. Dalglish, Rush, Hansen, Neal, Thompson, Case, Bruce, and my hero (really) McDermott... it was astounding year after year. Paisley’s record was incredible and the dominant swagger, wow, just wow (hat tip to Ferg for eclipsing Paisley’s leagues). I worshipped the team in that 79-85 time.“Dear Rob et al,” says Jamie. “I revelled in the Paisley era. Dalglish, Rush, Hansen, Neal, Thompson, Case, Bruce, and my hero (really) McDermott... it was astounding year after year. Paisley’s record was incredible and the dominant swagger, wow, just wow (hat tip to Ferg for eclipsing Paisley’s leagues). I worshipped the team in that 79-85 time.
“But... this team... Klopp didn’t have to win to already be a hero, the way he conducts. There has never been a player as dominant as VVD, as cheeky as Mane, as cunning as TAA. There is just so much joy here. Of course we know these players do much more because of social media - but what better role models than Trent, Milner, Hendo, Mo, Sane, VVD and Klopp. “They’ve only won it once. But the effect on me, awe, pride, is already surprisingly greater than it was for seven-year-old me.”“But... this team... Klopp didn’t have to win to already be a hero, the way he conducts. There has never been a player as dominant as VVD, as cheeky as Mane, as cunning as TAA. There is just so much joy here. Of course we know these players do much more because of social media - but what better role models than Trent, Milner, Hendo, Mo, Sane, VVD and Klopp. “They’ve only won it once. But the effect on me, awe, pride, is already surprisingly greater than it was for seven-year-old me.”
Liverpool have a week off before their trip to the Etihad, but there’s plenty of football this weekend. These are some of the big games:Liverpool have a week off before their trip to the Etihad, but there’s plenty of football this weekend. These are some of the big games:
FA Cup quarter-finalsFA Cup quarter-finals
Norwich v Man Utd (Sat, 5.30pm)Norwich v Man Utd (Sat, 5.30pm)
Sheff Utd v Arsenal (Sun, 1pm)Sheff Utd v Arsenal (Sun, 1pm)
Leicester v Chelsea (Sun, 4pm)Leicester v Chelsea (Sun, 4pm)
Newcastle v Man City (Sun, 6.30pm)Newcastle v Man City (Sun, 6.30pm)
Premier LeaguePremier League
Aston Villa v Wolves (Sat, 12.30pm)Aston Villa v Wolves (Sat, 12.30pm)
Watford v Southampton (Sun, 4.30pm)]Watford v Southampton (Sun, 4.30pm)]
ChampionshipChampionship
Brentford v West Brom (Fri, 7.45pm)Brentford v West Brom (Fri, 7.45pm)
Leeds v Fulham (Sat, 3pm)Leeds v Fulham (Sat, 3pm)
Comments aren’t open on this blog but you can join the debate below the line on Jonathan Wilson’s article. Based on some of the early comments, I wouldn’t bother.Comments aren’t open on this blog but you can join the debate below the line on Jonathan Wilson’s article. Based on some of the early comments, I wouldn’t bother.
A question for the panel (that’s you, yes you; ’mon, look lively)A question for the panel (that’s you, yes you; ’mon, look lively)
Where does this team sit in the Liverpool pantheon? I’d probably still have Bob Paisley’s first team at the top, because they retained both the league and the European Cup, but I’d certainly put Liverpool 2017-19 alongside 1981-84 and 1987-88.Where does this team sit in the Liverpool pantheon? I’d probably still have Bob Paisley’s first team at the top, because they retained both the league and the European Cup, but I’d certainly put Liverpool 2017-19 alongside 1981-84 and 1987-88.
Here’s Jonathan Wilson on the tactics that enabled Liverpool to overcome Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.Here’s Jonathan Wilson on the tactics that enabled Liverpool to overcome Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Oh I sayOh I say
In other newsIn other news
“I moved to Manchester from Liverpool in the late 80s just as Liverpool FC were going off the boil,” writes Stuart Lea. “I’ve waited a long time for this and have taken a lot of stick. In sad times, a happy, happy day.”“I moved to Manchester from Liverpool in the late 80s just as Liverpool FC were going off the boil,” writes Stuart Lea. “I’ve waited a long time for this and have taken a lot of stick. In sad times, a happy, happy day.”
The afternoon-after thoughts of Jurgen KloppThe afternoon-after thoughts of Jurgen Klopp
The first thing we think about with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool is their exhilarating attacking play. But if you really want to tell the story of the Klopp years, you need to look at their defensive record.The first thing we think about with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool is their exhilarating attacking play. But if you really want to tell the story of the Klopp years, you need to look at their defensive record.
Goals conceded in the Premier LeagueGoals conceded in the Premier League
2015-16 502015-16 50
2016-17 422016-17 42
2017-18 382017-18 38
2018-19 222018-19 22
2019-20 21 (in 31 games)2019-20 21 (in 31 games)
My colleague Paul Doyle, who reads football better than anyone I have ever met, said in the summer of 2017 that if Liverpool signed van Dijk they would eventually win the league. Doyle knows.My colleague Paul Doyle, who reads football better than anyone I have ever met, said in the summer of 2017 that if Liverpool signed van Dijk they would eventually win the league. Doyle knows.
“As a teen, I remember celebrating the Champions League final on a worn suede sofa at my mate’s house,” says Gregory Bott. “We all crowded round his old TV, and when the final whistle went, we shook up our beers and poured a bottle of lager over his Dad’s head, before running out into the streets, wild-eyed with glee. We didn’t know what to do with ourselves – we just wanted to be out and about, to feel the buzz, to meet strangers acting on the same impulse, scattering the dark with our sunbeam smiles...“As a teen, I remember celebrating the Champions League final on a worn suede sofa at my mate’s house,” says Gregory Bott. “We all crowded round his old TV, and when the final whistle went, we shook up our beers and poured a bottle of lager over his Dad’s head, before running out into the streets, wild-eyed with glee. We didn’t know what to do with ourselves – we just wanted to be out and about, to feel the buzz, to meet strangers acting on the same impulse, scattering the dark with our sunbeam smiles...
“Nowadays, I live away from the tribe, away from the city, hundreds of miles down South. But that connection is still there – it is urging me to come home, twanging like some long, unplayed chord. Other than absorbing every bit of media around this that I can, I am struggling to know exactly how to commemorate this momentous day. Any suggestions?”“Nowadays, I live away from the tribe, away from the city, hundreds of miles down South. But that connection is still there – it is urging me to come home, twanging like some long, unplayed chord. Other than absorbing every bit of media around this that I can, I am struggling to know exactly how to commemorate this momentous day. Any suggestions?”
How close are you to Bournemouth beach?How close are you to Bournemouth beach?
Another plug for our quiz on Liverpool’s glorious campaign. I got 12/15 and I’m on about two hours’ sleep, so you should be aiming high.Another plug for our quiz on Liverpool’s glorious campaign. I got 12/15 and I’m on about two hours’ sleep, so you should be aiming high.
The mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, has been talking about last night’s celebrations outside Anfield.The mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, has been talking about last night’s celebrations outside Anfield.
It’s notable how little criticism there has been of the Liverpool fans who showed such contempt for social distancing with their celebrations last night. I’ll level with you: I can see both sides!It’s notable how little criticism there has been of the Liverpool fans who showed such contempt for social distancing with their celebrations last night. I’ll level with you: I can see both sides!
“I don’t expect any major signings, but I think left-footed cover for Andy Robertson would be a good idea, and possibly quietly thanking Dejan Lovren, so perhaps a replacement centre back if there is no one suitable coming through,” says Andrew Parker. “Having said that in the 70s/80s Liverpool often signed an up and coming player after winning the title to keep everyone on their toes.”“I don’t expect any major signings, but I think left-footed cover for Andy Robertson would be a good idea, and possibly quietly thanking Dejan Lovren, so perhaps a replacement centre back if there is no one suitable coming through,” says Andrew Parker. “Having said that in the 70s/80s Liverpool often signed an up and coming player after winning the title to keep everyone on their toes.”
That’s true, although squads were much smaller then so the psychology of a new signing for a bit different. Ki-Jana Hoever is a brilliant young centre-back, though he’s only 18. But again, I think there’s just about enough depth there – Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip as the main three, with cover from Hoever, Fabinho and Sepp van den Berg.That’s true, although squads were much smaller then so the psychology of a new signing for a bit different. Ki-Jana Hoever is a brilliant young centre-back, though he’s only 18. But again, I think there’s just about enough depth there – Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip as the main three, with cover from Hoever, Fabinho and Sepp van den Berg.
The alarming thing for Liverpool’s rivals is that a) Jurgen Klopp is going nowhere for a while and b) they have four or five teenagers who look seriously good, so this success could well be sustainable.The alarming thing for Liverpool’s rivals is that a) Jurgen Klopp is going nowhere for a while and b) they have four or five teenagers who look seriously good, so this success could well be sustainable.
“Hi Rob,” says Marty Bull. “I don’t see any 1st IX transfers happening this window. They are all fantastic already. But there needs to be an injection of quality (and hunger) in the supporting cast - with Lallana, Lovren, Shaqiri, Clyne etc all likely moving on.”“Hi Rob,” says Marty Bull. “I don’t see any 1st IX transfers happening this window. They are all fantastic already. But there needs to be an injection of quality (and hunger) in the supporting cast - with Lallana, Lovren, Shaqiri, Clyne etc all likely moving on.”
As Mike said, there are some extremely good youngsters. The only position where you are short of cover is left-back, and even then, Milner or Gomez can do a decent job. Maybe you need one more back-up forward as well, but you have decent cover in those positions: Minamino, Origi, Oxlade-Chamberlain, perhaps Wilson.As Mike said, there are some extremely good youngsters. The only position where you are short of cover is left-back, and even then, Milner or Gomez can do a decent job. Maybe you need one more back-up forward as well, but you have decent cover in those positions: Minamino, Origi, Oxlade-Chamberlain, perhaps Wilson.
There’s a lot of talk of Traore and, while the thought of him playing with the additional energy and power that Jurgen Klopp gives all his players is utterly terrifying, it’s hard to see how he would fit in. Why tinker with the best forward line in the world?There’s a lot of talk of Traore and, while the thought of him playing with the additional energy and power that Jurgen Klopp gives all his players is utterly terrifying, it’s hard to see how he would fit in. Why tinker with the best forward line in the world?
“I can’t see the need to buy this window,” says Mike MacKenzie. “A fourth top striker would want more playing time than he’s likely to get barring injury. Same for any good LB to back up Andy. At other positions, there is enough talent in academy and soon-to-be ready-for-prime-time guys like Elliott, Jones & Williams.”“I can’t see the need to buy this window,” says Mike MacKenzie. “A fourth top striker would want more playing time than he’s likely to get barring injury. Same for any good LB to back up Andy. At other positions, there is enough talent in academy and soon-to-be ready-for-prime-time guys like Elliott, Jones & Williams.”
Yes, I agree. I suppose you could make a case for a centre back but I think Gomez and Matip are fine. Besides, you could play me alongside Virgil van Dijk and still keep a clean sheet most weeks.Yes, I agree. I suppose you could make a case for a centre back but I think Gomez and Matip are fine. Besides, you could play me alongside Virgil van Dijk and still keep a clean sheet most weeks.
One small point This perch business, it’s about sustained success. Howard Wilkinson never set foot on a perch, not did Carlo Ancelotti or even Arsene Wenger. Liverpool are the best team in the world but they’re not back on their perch. At least not yet.One small point This perch business, it’s about sustained success. Howard Wilkinson never set foot on a perch, not did Carlo Ancelotti or even Arsene Wenger. Liverpool are the best team in the world but they’re not back on their perch. At least not yet.
Liverpool looked tired in March but lockdown has refreshed them and, with no other distractions, you’d expect them to break the English top-flight records for points (100) and wins (32).Liverpool looked tired in March but lockdown has refreshed them and, with no other distractions, you’d expect them to break the English top-flight records for points (100) and wins (32).
Both those records were set by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Liverpool need five wins from their last seven games to knock Pep off his statistical perch. The remaining games are:Both those records were set by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Liverpool need five wins from their last seven games to knock Pep off his statistical perch. The remaining games are:
Man City (A)Man City (A)
Aston Villa (H)Aston Villa (H)
Brighton (A)Brighton (A)
Burnley (H)Burnley (H)
Arsenal (A)Arsenal (A)
Chelsea (H)Chelsea (H)
Newcastle (A)Newcastle (A)
A question for Liverpool fans that nobody bothered to answer first time round Will/should you make any major signings this summer? If I were Jurgen Klopp, I’m not sure I would buy anybody except maybe a couple of squad players. You need to be careful with that golden goose.A question for Liverpool fans that nobody bothered to answer first time round Will/should you make any major signings this summer? If I were Jurgen Klopp, I’m not sure I would buy anybody except maybe a couple of squad players. You need to be careful with that golden goose.
A bit of news from elsewhere Arsenal have confirmed that their Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli will miss the rest of the season after having a knee operation.A bit of news from elsewhere Arsenal have confirmed that their Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli will miss the rest of the season after having a knee operation.
Another plug for Andy Hunter’s epic on how Jurgen Klopp turned Liverpool into the world’s best team.Another plug for Andy Hunter’s epic on how Jurgen Klopp turned Liverpool into the world’s best team.
Go on Jurgen ladGo on Jurgen lad
Pop quiz, hotshotPop quiz, hotshot
Since you asked, I got 12/15. Bleeding M*A*S*H.Since you asked, I got 12/15. Bleeding M*A*S*H.
Merseyside Police made 10 arrests for public order offences on Thursday night, when Liverpool fans gathered outside Anfield to celebrate the imminent reopening of the pubs.Merseyside Police made 10 arrests for public order offences on Thursday night, when Liverpool fans gathered outside Anfield to celebrate the imminent reopening of the pubs.
Jurgen Klopp will be talking to the press at 1pm local time, and we’ll keep you posted on what he says.Jurgen Klopp will be talking to the press at 1pm local time, and we’ll keep you posted on what he says.
In case you missed it last night, here’s Barney Ronay’s tribute to the new champions.In case you missed it last night, here’s Barney Ronay’s tribute to the new champions.
A question for Liverpool fans Will/should you make any major signings this summer? If I were Jurgen Klopp, I’m not sure I would buy anybody except maybe a couple of squad players. You need to be careful with that golden goose.A question for Liverpool fans Will/should you make any major signings this summer? If I were Jurgen Klopp, I’m not sure I would buy anybody except maybe a couple of squad players. You need to be careful with that golden goose.
Here’s Jamie Jackson’s news story on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s slightly grudging congratulations to Liverpool. His main point was a fair one, though; nobody is going to win 13 league titles with one club ever again.Here’s Jamie Jackson’s news story on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s slightly grudging congratulations to Liverpool. His main point was a fair one, though; nobody is going to win 13 league titles with one club ever again.
Thanks Scott, afternoon everyone. Let’s start with the tweet we’ve all been waiting for. If it didn’t feel real before, it does now!Thanks Scott, afternoon everyone. Let’s start with the tweet we’ve all been waiting for. If it didn’t feel real before, it does now!
I’m off to operate the levers and pulleys of the Fiver. Apologies in advance. In the meantime, Rob Smyth will grit his teeth and see you through the afternoon. While he makes himself a cup of tea, plumps up a cushion, gets his papers in order, etc., here’s a musical interlude.I’m off to operate the levers and pulleys of the Fiver. Apologies in advance. In the meantime, Rob Smyth will grit his teeth and see you through the afternoon. While he makes himself a cup of tea, plumps up a cushion, gets his papers in order, etc., here’s a musical interlude.
A word from Liverpool’s chief executive Peter Moore. He’s sent a message to Sean Cox, who suffered injuries in an attack before the Champions League semi-final against Roma in 2018.A word from Liverpool’s chief executive Peter Moore. He’s sent a message to Sean Cox, who suffered injuries in an attack before the Champions League semi-final against Roma in 2018.
This isn’t the first time Liverpool have won the league while watching on from the sidelines. In 1947, they beat fellow challengers Wolves in their final game of a weather-hit season. They were top, but had to wait a fortnight for Stoke City to finish their campaign. If Stoke won at Sheffield United, they’d be champions. But they’d preposterously sold star man Stanley Matthews during the run-in (!) and lost, so the title was Liverpool’s. They were told the news midway through a local-cup kickabout with Everton. Here we remember Albert Stubbins, goalscorer and Sgt Pepper cover star, whose winner against Wolves secured the prize.This isn’t the first time Liverpool have won the league while watching on from the sidelines. In 1947, they beat fellow challengers Wolves in their final game of a weather-hit season. They were top, but had to wait a fortnight for Stoke City to finish their campaign. If Stoke won at Sheffield United, they’d be champions. But they’d preposterously sold star man Stanley Matthews during the run-in (!) and lost, so the title was Liverpool’s. They were told the news midway through a local-cup kickabout with Everton. Here we remember Albert Stubbins, goalscorer and Sgt Pepper cover star, whose winner against Wolves secured the prize.
A Liverpool legend offers his congratulations.A Liverpool legend offers his congratulations.
Stop everything! Drop everything! Here’s Andy Hunter’s opus on how Jurgen Klopp turned Liverpool into a title-winning machine. Make yourself a cup of tea, kick back and enjoy, this highly entertaining long read should take you all the way through to lunch.Stop everything! Drop everything! Here’s Andy Hunter’s opus on how Jurgen Klopp turned Liverpool into a title-winning machine. Make yourself a cup of tea, kick back and enjoy, this highly entertaining long read should take you all the way through to lunch.
Here hair here. Uke Krasniqi, a diehard Liverpool supporter from Kosovo, now based in Vancouver, took Steven Gerrard’s infamous 2014 slip hard. “You never get over it, but you have to, that’s life, you have to move on.” Whether that philosophy strictly tallies with his subsequent pledge to never cut his hair again until Liverpool won the Premier League is perhaps a debate for another day. “I’ve been keeping my hair... I’ve been waiting for this moment. I said it: as long as it takes. I had a few disappointing moments but it seems that I’m finally there, it’s going to happen. Whenever I see Jordan Henderson lifting that trophy I will be cutting my hair.” There’s some video of him not cutting his hair yet here, if that’s not more than enough.Here hair here. Uke Krasniqi, a diehard Liverpool supporter from Kosovo, now based in Vancouver, took Steven Gerrard’s infamous 2014 slip hard. “You never get over it, but you have to, that’s life, you have to move on.” Whether that philosophy strictly tallies with his subsequent pledge to never cut his hair again until Liverpool won the Premier League is perhaps a debate for another day. “I’ve been keeping my hair... I’ve been waiting for this moment. I said it: as long as it takes. I had a few disappointing moments but it seems that I’m finally there, it’s going to happen. Whenever I see Jordan Henderson lifting that trophy I will be cutting my hair.” There’s some video of him not cutting his hair yet here, if that’s not more than enough.
Who doesn’t enjoy staring blankly at a list? Here’s where Liverpool now reside in the pantheon of English champions.Who doesn’t enjoy staring blankly at a list? Here’s where Liverpool now reside in the pantheon of English champions.
20: Manchester United19: Liverpool13: Arsenal9: Everton7: Aston Villa6: Sunderland, Chelsea, Manchester City4: Newcastle United, Sheffield Wednesday3: Huddersfield Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers2: Preston North End, Portsmouth, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur, Derby County1: Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City20: Manchester United19: Liverpool13: Arsenal9: Everton7: Aston Villa6: Sunderland, Chelsea, Manchester City4: Newcastle United, Sheffield Wednesday3: Huddersfield Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers2: Preston North End, Portsmouth, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur, Derby County1: Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest, Leicester City
We have pictures of Liverpool, a city en fête. An extremely gentle nod to Goal!, the official film of the 1966 World Cup, there. You’re welcome.We have pictures of Liverpool, a city en fête. An extremely gentle nod to Goal!, the official film of the 1966 World Cup, there. You’re welcome.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has offered congratulations to his club’s bitterest rivals.Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has offered congratulations to his club’s bitterest rivals.