Liverpool are on the cusp of clinching the Premier League title and could seal their success against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. In Arne Slot’s Liverpool debut campaign at Anfield, the Reds need only to avoid defeat to secure their nineteenth top-flight championship in front of their home supporters.
Merseyside is brimming with anticipation as the club prepares to crown a remarkable season with four matches remaining. Despite the sense of occasion, captain Virgil van Dijk will not be able to lift the Premier League trophy this weekend. Under league tradition, the silverware will not be presented until the team’s final home fixture of the season.
For Liverpool, that decisive moment will occur when they face Crystal Palace on 25 May. It will be a poignant occasion for the Anfield faithful, who were previously denied the opportunity to celebrate their side’s 2020 Premier League triumph in person, due to Covid-19 restrictions. As a result, there is an added emotional weight to this season’s celebrations.
Although no other side can realistically challenge Liverpool’s position, reigning champions Manchester City are still permitted to retain possession of one of the Premier League trophies. According to regulations, defending champions are allowed to keep the trophy until no later than three weeks before the conclusion of their final league match.
Preparations for celebrations at Anfield are already well underway. A mural commemorating the anticipated ’20’ title has been unveiled near the stadium, while merchandise, including flags and scarves emblazoned with ‘Champions 20′, was seen arriving on Friday morning. The Liverpool fans’ celebration promises to be electric regardless of whether the actual trophy is present.
Manager Arne Slot remains steadfastly focused on the task ahead, cautioning against premature celebrations. Speaking to the press, Slot said,
“It is a big responsibility because we are aware of the fact the last time this club won the league it was Covid so everyone is looking forward to Sunday.”
However, Slot is determined that neither he nor his players will take anything for granted before the job is officially completed. He continued,
“But we are aware there is a job still to be done and that is (to win) one point. We are aware and our fans are aware we still need a point, we are definitely still aware within this building.”
Slot, understanding the expectations surrounding the moment, admitted that media obligations were not his immediate concern following the final whistle.
“That means it will take more time for us to go to the media!”
he quipped during his pre-match press conference.
Reflecting on the pressure of the situation, the Dutchman said,
“I get these questions and then it comes to your mind, of course. But that’s the last thing you think about as a manager at this point of time.”
Slot emphasised that his primary focus remained on the squad’s readiness and the challenge presented by Tottenham Hotspur.
“The only thing I think about is that hopefully all the players are available and to prepare them. I know how hard it was to win against a team that was close to relegation (Leicester, last weekend). It was hard to get the win over the line.”
he explained.
Having already faced Tottenham three times this season, Slot is fully aware of the difficulty that lies ahead.
“I am not getting carried away at all. We’ve faced Tottenham already three times, I know how hard it is to beat them for us. That is where my main focus is on.”
he stressed.
Although the formal Premier League trophy presentation must wait, Sunday’s match offers Liverpool a golden opportunity to make history on their terms, in front of a passionate crowd at Anfield. As the Liverpool vs Tottenham encounter nears, the city stands ready to celebrate what many hope will be another glorious chapter in the story of Liverpool Premier League champions.
