Liverpool Lift Premier League Trophy After Draw Against Crystal Palace

Virgil van Dijk is holding up the Premier League title following a 1-1 draw of Liverpool against Crystal Palace on Sunday as Reds had their own fans’ title party for the first time in 35 years.

Arne Slot’s team sealed their record-equalling 20th English title with an emphatic win over Tottenham in April, but the long-delayed presentation was reserved for the last game of the season.

First Trophy Celebration With Fans Since 1990

Liverpool’s previous title in 2020 was clinched during the Covid-19 pandemic, so the trophy was lifted by then captain Jordan Henderson in an empty stadium.

The Reds took full advantage of their first title party in a full Anfield since 1990 as the 61,000 capacity crowd celebrated with the city’s great and good from Liverpool’s glorious history.

Slot Reflects on Historic Season for Liverpool

“It’s always special to win something, but at certain clubs maybe a little bit more,” Slot said.

“I don’t think you expect anything like this. If you look at the Premier League in the last few seasons it was always a race to the end.

“To be part of it was already nice, let alone to win it.”

Legends Return to Celebrate With the Liverpool Team

Alan Hansen, who captained Liverpool in their last trophy lift at a full Anfield in 1990, presented the silverware to current Reds skipper Van Dijk.

Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool’s manager 35 years ago, was watching from the stands, as was Jurgen Klopp, who masterminded the Reds’ Premier League triumph in 2020 before leaving last year.

Red ticker tape and smoke and fireworks dominated the sky as the trophy was being taken around Anfield, with the iconic Kop stand covered in flags and banners depicting slogans celebrating their heroes.

Emotional Liverpool Farewell for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Not even Trent Alexander-Arnold the Liverpool right-back whose departure in a widely-tipped transfer to Real Madrid was controversial was immune from fans’ affection on his farewell appearance for his boyhood club.

Alexander-Arnold was booed after being brought on as a substitute in the recent draw with Arsenal in the first match since his revelation that he will be leaving at the end of his contract in June.

The Anfield mood was party-like, and Alexander-Arnold was given a tearful goodbye as he was applauded when he was brought off the bench during the second half, the Liverpool-born defender retaliating by kissing the badge.

“I’ve played hundreds of games for the club but I’ve never felt so loved and cared for than today,” Alexander-Arnold said.

Mohammed Salah Secures Draw in Celebratory Atmosphere

Liverpool did not claim any of their four matches following the title win.

But that was not enough to take away from the festive spirit, which was already in full bloom prior to the game even being played as Slot’s players were escorted onto the field by a guard of honour from Palace players, before the Reds reciprocated by paying tribute to the FA Cup champions. Ismaila Sarr’s ninth-minute Palace goal was not enough to ruin the day.

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who was already yellow-carded for diving, was given a straight red card after his foul on Daichi Kamada in the 68th minute.

However, Mohamed Salah guaranteed Liverpool a point in their finale when he bundled home in the 84th minute.

Salah’s Record-Equalling Feat Caps Off Season

Salah’s 29th goal of the season tied the Premier League record for most involvement in a season, which was held by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer, both achieving 47 in a 42-match campaign.

“It’s incredible. Last time we did not have the chance to lift the trophy in front of the Kop. Today we have the chance,” Salah said.

“It is an incredible feeling. Winning the second one with the fans in Anfield, you can see what it means.”

Salah emerged as the Premier League’s golden boot winner in a record-equaling fourth time.

Celebrations Continue Beyond the Final Whistle

The players of Liverpool stood in a single long queue to have their sing-along of club song ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in a deafening atmosphere following the trophy presentation.

The celebrations will also be extended to Monday when Liverpool will take the trophy around the city on an open-top bus.