Virgil van Dijk lifted the Premier League trophy after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday (May 25, 2025) because the Reds held a title social gathering with their very own followers for the primary time in 35 years.
Arne Slot’s aspect wrapped up their record-equalling twentieth English crown with a demolition of Tottenham in April, however the long-awaited trophy presentation was saved for the ultimate sport of the season.
Liverpool’s final title in 2020 was gained in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, which means the trophy was held aloft by then-captain Jordan Henderson in entrance of an empty stadium.
The Reds made essentially the most of their first title celebration in a packed Anfield since 1990 because the 61,000-capacity crowd partied together with the good and good of Liverpool’s illustrious previous.
“It’s always special to win something, but at certain clubs maybe a little bit more,” Slot mentioned.
“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.”
Alan Hansen, who captained Liverpool of their final trophy lift at a full Anfield in 1990, introduced the silverware to present Reds skipper Van Dijk.
Kenny Dalglish, Liverpool’s supervisor 35 years in the past, was watching from the stands, as was Jurgen Klopp, who masterminded the Reds’ Premier League triumph in 2020 earlier than leaving final yr.
Fireworks, smoke and crimson ticker tape stuffed the air because the trophy was paraded round Anfield, with the well-known Kop stand adorned with banners and flags emblazoned with slogans hailing their heroes.
Even Trent Alexander-Arnold — the Liverpool right-back controversially set to depart in a widely-expected transfer to Real Madrid — was embraced by followers on his closing look for his boyhood membership.
Alexander-Arnold had been booed after approaching as an alternative choice to the latest draw with Arsenal within the first sport following his announcement that he’ll depart when his contract expires in June.
Rousing scene
With Anfield in social gathering temper, tearful Alexander-Arnold was granted a fond farewell as he was cheered when he got here off the bench within the second half, the Liverpool-born defender responding by kissing his badge.
“I’ve played hundreds of games for the club but I’ve never felt so loved and cared for than today,” Alexander-Arnold mentioned.
Liverpool didn’t win any of their 4 video games after sealing the title.
But that couldn’t detract from the festive ambiance, which was in full swing earlier than the sport even kicked off as Slot’s group got a guard of honour onto the pitch by Palace’s gamers, earlier than the Reds returned the favour to salute the FA Cup winners.
Ismaila Sarr’s ninth-minute purpose for Palace couldn’t spoil the event both.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who had been booked for diving, was proven a straight crimson card after his foul on Daichi Kamada within the 68th minute.
But Mohamed Salah ensured Liverpool prevented defeat of their finale when he bundled dwelling within the 84th minute.
Salah’s twenty ninth purpose this season equalled the Premier League file of most purpose involvements in a season, beforehand held by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer, who each achieved 47 in a 42-game season.
The Egypt ahead completed because the Premier League’s golden boot winner for a record-equalling fourth time.
“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 mentioned.
“It is an incredible feeling. Winning the second one with the fans in Anfield, you can see what it means.”
Liverpool’s gamers gathered in a single lengthy line to sing membership anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in a rousing scene after the trophy presentation.
The social gathering is ready to proceed on Monday when Liverpool will parade the trophy via town on an open-top bus.
Published – May 26, 2025 01:10 am IST
