Liverpool crowned Premier League winners after Tottenham win

Liverpool have been crowned English champions for a record-equalling 20th time after their 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

After Dominic Solanke's opener had threatened to delay the celebrations, goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and a Destiny Udogie own-goal secured a second Premier League win in six years.

It’s been a remarkable season for Liverpool, who were a shorter price to finish outside the top four than to win the title in pre-season.

Liverpool clearly had enough in their squad to challenge for a title – as seen last season before falling away late on – but the big question marks were over their new manager and their lack of transfer activity.

The transfer activity proved irrelevant, with Slot rotating his front men throughout the season, giving Ryan Gravenberch a new lease of life at the base of midfield, and freeing up Mohamed Salah to enjoy arguably his best season in a Liverpool shirt.

The Reds stumbled early in the campaign, losing 1-0 at home to a Nottingham Forest side many predicted would be in a relegation fight rather than contending for the UEFA Champions League places, but were unbeaten in their next 26 games.

While it can’t be denied Arsenal and Manchester City have been well below the level expected, Liverpool have taken full advantage, and haven’t looked like surrendering their lead since Christmas.

Attentions now turn to next season, particularly for Liverpool who have already been knocked out of the three cup competitions, as Slot prepares to ready his side for a defence of their title.

bet365’s Sports and Trading expert Steve Freeth said: “We all wondered how Liverpool would cope without Jurgen Klopp and whether they'd finish in the top four, but Arne Slot has surprised the oddsmakers as well as the public by winning the Premier League at the first attempt.

“Not only has he won the title, but he’s done so quite comfortably, and with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing on the dotted line, they're our 15/8 favourites to retain it next season.

“You'd think that Manchester City (9/4) can't be anywhere near as bad as what we've witnessed during this campaign while Mikel Arteta will try and finally get Arsenal (5/2) over the line in what looks a mouth-watering three-horse race – although Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and even Manchester United might have something to say about that.”

Liverpool’s midfield has never properly been rebuilt since the triumvirate of Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho was broken up, and it does look like an area to strengthen, particularly with the expected loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creativity.

Slot will also look to ensure there’s no repeat of this season’s drop-off, which saw them lose in three cup competitions in the space of six weeks.

Whether it’s tiredness or teams getting wise to Slot’s style of play or a combination of the two, Liverpool have been much less formidable since the turn of the year. In all competitions, Liverpool’s record prior to 1st January 2025 read 23 wins, three draws and one loss. Since the turn of the year, it reads 14 wins, four draws and six losses.

There will be a change in personnel over the summer, with the likes of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez linked with moves away, while Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid is still to be finalised. The Reds will need to strengthen their existing squad as well as replace the departing players.

Dean Huijsen could bolster the defensive ranks after an excellent season at Bournemouth, with Milos Kerkez potentially inheriting the left-back spot from Andrew Robertson.

Hugo Ekitike has also been rumoured with a move to Anfield, with Slot eyeing up a more natural goalscorer, to ease the burden on Salah, as Liverpool attempt to break the record they currently share with Manchester United, and win a 21st league title.

Liam Williams

• Liverpool F.C.
• Premier League
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