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Liverpool are crowned Premier League champions – reaction as it happened Liverpool are crowned Premier League champions – reaction as it happened
(32 minutes later)
Liverpool’s 30-year wait to be champions of England again is over. Our team covered the reaction from Merseyside and around the worldLiverpool’s 30-year wait to be champions of England again is over. Our team covered the reaction from Merseyside and around the world
Further reading
The final word goes to (who else?) Jürgen Norbert Klopp:The final word goes to (who else?) Jürgen Norbert Klopp:
“I love the scouse soul. I love the way they love life in the city of Liverpool, I love the way they want to be different. They are different. I know a lot of scousers and they are really good people.“I love the scouse soul. I love the way they love life in the city of Liverpool, I love the way they want to be different. They are different. I know a lot of scousers and they are really good people.
“I’ve had good parts in my career but not this good. It is difficult to get here and it is all about the boys’ commitment, desire and understanding of the club’s heart and soul. The consistency the boys have showed is exceptional. We will not stop.”“I’ve had good parts in my career but not this good. It is difficult to get here and it is all about the boys’ commitment, desire and understanding of the club’s heart and soul. The consistency the boys have showed is exceptional. We will not stop.”
We’ll be wrapping up here shortly. Thanks to all of you for your emails. Stay safe out there, and enjoy your weekends. To play us out, here’s the Kop in full voice.We’ll be wrapping up here shortly. Thanks to all of you for your emails. Stay safe out there, and enjoy your weekends. To play us out, here’s the Kop in full voice.
Even by the end of February it was a case of when, not if, Liverpool would win the title. But then came a first league defeat of the season at Watford, and a Champions League exit to Atlético Madrid.Even by the end of February it was a case of when, not if, Liverpool would win the title. But then came a first league defeat of the season at Watford, and a Champions League exit to Atlético Madrid.
By then, the coronavirus outbreak loomed large. Suddenly the biggest threat to the title was a null-and-void season. Eventually, Liverpool returned to a very different atmosphere at Anfield. Personally, I think that given the circumstances, this was among their best performances:By then, the coronavirus outbreak loomed large. Suddenly the biggest threat to the title was a null-and-void season. Eventually, Liverpool returned to a very different atmosphere at Anfield. Personally, I think that given the circumstances, this was among their best performances:
“That Leicester game on Boxing Day was when I first really believed we were going to win the league,” says Paul Spencer. “What a performance! I watched the game with the local Liverpool supporters’ club here in Portland, Oregon, and there were more than a few knowing looks that day.” Here’s a poignant email from Steve Jenkins:
“I’m 57, born in Liverpool and enjoyed the halcyon years of the 70’s and 80’s. I was there in ‘77 for the epic St-Etienne win having bunked off school. On my honeymoon I witnessed the horror of Heysel. I remember washing the car when news of Hillsborough came through on the radio.“Istanbul was a miracle, but miracles are not ten a penny. After several dalliances with bad managers and owners, somehow the club rediscovered its heart and in Jürgen Klopp found an honest, decent human being we can all relate to.
“And here we are: English, European and World champions. I may have a huge hangover tomorrow, but I’m a Red. I’ve lived through the good and the bad. And we’re back on our fucking perch.”
In February, West Ham rocked up at Anfield and took a 2-1 lead. Liverpool responded in trademark fashion, their relentless drive belying a 22-point gap at the top:In February, West Ham rocked up at Anfield and took a 2-1 lead. Liverpool responded in trademark fashion, their relentless drive belying a 22-point gap at the top:
This was the moment Liverpool fans started to truly believe; one goal up against United, Mo Salah broke away to seal victory and the Kop went ballistic.This was the moment Liverpool fans started to truly believe; one goal up against United, Mo Salah broke away to seal victory and the Kop went ballistic.
Here are the thoughts of Robbie Fowler, legendary Liverpool striker and now the head coach of Brisbane Roar:Here are the thoughts of Robbie Fowler, legendary Liverpool striker and now the head coach of Brisbane Roar:
“Last year we finished second with 97 points and we knew we were on the periphery of something great.” Fowler told Sky Sports. “Manchester City have a brilliant side and it shows how good Liverpool are to be so far ahead.“Last year we finished second with 97 points and we knew we were on the periphery of something great.” Fowler told Sky Sports. “Manchester City have a brilliant side and it shows how good Liverpool are to be so far ahead.
“The club has grown and this squad is capable of going on and doing this again, it really is. Fair play to Klopp, he could have had the pick of any club potentially, but he came in and said we can win the league in five years and rewrite our own history.”“The club has grown and this squad is capable of going on and doing this again, it really is. Fair play to Klopp, he could have had the pick of any club potentially, but he came in and said we can win the league in five years and rewrite our own history.”
Another memorable moment from Boxing Day, as Liverpool travelled to the King Power. If the win over City told us they would probably win the title, this told us they would probably win it by miles.Another memorable moment from Boxing Day, as Liverpool travelled to the King Power. If the win over City told us they would probably win the title, this told us they would probably win it by miles.
Back to the ‘best Premier League team ever’ debate. Rick Jones reckons Liverpool are right up there: “The Invincibles drew lots of games, and had a lot fewer points. I wouldn’t forget the Champions League as a sign of a team’s greatness either. This Liverpool team has devastated its opponents.”Back to the ‘best Premier League team ever’ debate. Rick Jones reckons Liverpool are right up there: “The Invincibles drew lots of games, and had a lot fewer points. I wouldn’t forget the Champions League as a sign of a team’s greatness either. This Liverpool team has devastated its opponents.”
In November, Manchester City came to Anfield. The visitors started well enough, but found themselves 2-0 down after 13 minutes. Liverpool never really looked back:In November, Manchester City came to Anfield. The visitors started well enough, but found themselves 2-0 down after 13 minutes. Liverpool never really looked back:
In the 2018-19 season, Liverpool kept on City’s heels with a number of last-gasp wins. Things were different this season, but the 2-1 win at Villa Park, from a goal down with three minutes to go, was a reminder of the team’s mental strength:In the 2018-19 season, Liverpool kept on City’s heels with a number of last-gasp wins. Things were different this season, but the 2-1 win at Villa Park, from a goal down with three minutes to go, was a reminder of the team’s mental strength:
We’ll be here for the next hour or so, so let’s take a look at some highlights from this season, which began around two decades ago with a 4-1 win over Norwich.We’ll be here for the next hour or so, so let’s take a look at some highlights from this season, which began around two decades ago with a 4-1 win over Norwich.
“Biased Arsenal fan here,” writes“Biased Arsenal fan here,” writes
GunnersauruGunnersauru
Emre Yertici. “I would rank Liverpool below the Invincibles, United in 1998-99 and 07-08, or Mourinho’s first Chelsea team. They’re a world-class team with fantastic players, but the financial gulf between the top six and the bottom of the league is bigger than ever. Emre Yertici. “I would rank Liverpool below the Invincibles, United in 1998-99 and 07-08, or Mourinho’s first Chelsea team. They’re a world-class team with fantastic players, but the financial gulf between the top six and the bottom of the league is bigger than ever.
“United won three leagues in a row between 2007 and 2009. Chelsea won back-to-back titles, which this Liverpool side haven’t done yet. As for my beloved Arsenal, they’re still the only team to go unbeaten in the modern era, which shows what a special team the Invincibles were.“The current Liverpool team aren’t far off this level though; another title or Champions League and they would be up there. Pleased for them though, likeable squad and manager, brilliant all season and they’ve waited a long time. Enjoy, Liverpool fans.”“United won three leagues in a row between 2007 and 2009. Chelsea won back-to-back titles, which this Liverpool side haven’t done yet. As for my beloved Arsenal, they’re still the only team to go unbeaten in the modern era, which shows what a special team the Invincibles were.“The current Liverpool team aren’t far off this level though; another title or Champions League and they would be up there. Pleased for them though, likeable squad and manager, brilliant all season and they’ve waited a long time. Enjoy, Liverpool fans.”
Want to know what Pep, Ole, Frank and - yes - Brendan think of Liverpool’s success? Find out for yourselves:Want to know what Pep, Ole, Frank and - yes - Brendan think of Liverpool’s success? Find out for yourselves:
“As a 100% biased Liverpool fan, I would rank them equal to or above Man City 2017-2018,” writes Jeremy Rechtien. “The hope is that they build a squad that can go deeper into Cups and build a dynasty like United did in the 90s. That would make them the greatest Premier League team ever in my books.”“As a 100% biased Liverpool fan, I would rank them equal to or above Man City 2017-2018,” writes Jeremy Rechtien. “The hope is that they build a squad that can go deeper into Cups and build a dynasty like United did in the 90s. That would make them the greatest Premier League team ever in my books.”
Liverpool fans! It’s the weekend, you’re a couple into your beverage of choice, and here comes Scott Murray with today’s Fiver. Life is sweet ...Liverpool fans! It’s the weekend, you’re a couple into your beverage of choice, and here comes Scott Murray with today’s Fiver. Life is sweet ...
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.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: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: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 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.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!