Special day
This was Liverpool’s second title in five years, having ended a 30-year wait to be champion in 2020. But this time there was a crucial difference as the triumph was shared with supporters.
Five years ago Liverpool had to finish off the season behind closed doors as the U.K. faced lockdown restrictions because of the COVID pandemic. Now there was a packed stadium to erupt at the final whistle and watch as the players danced and embraced on field.
“This is way better, 100%,” Salah said. “It feels more special with the fans. You have a different group now, a different manager. To show you are able to do it again is something special.”
Throughout the match a packed Anfield crowd had been in rapturous voice, singing the club’s anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in the final moments.
It was reprised later as Slot and his players stood facing the famed Kop stand to be serenaded by fans.
Having spent 206 days at the top of the standings, Liverpool only needed one more point to be confirmed champion.
For a brief moment Solanke’s 12th-minute header had threatened to spoil the party, but the home team powered back with strikes from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gapko before halftime. Salah added another after the break and Destiny Udogie’s own-goal rounded off the rout.
In the end, the victory was so comfortable that Salah even had time to pose for a selfie in front of the crowd after scoring his 33rd goal of the season in all competitions.
