Touches of class abounded at Anfield. There was the impromptu guard of honour that Liverpool gave Crystal Palace in recognition of their historic FA Cup win and the tumultuous reception that meant everything to Trent Alexander-Arnold as he stepped on to the podium to collect one final medal with his boyhood club. Most poignantly and appropriately, there was the sight of Alan Hansen passing the Premier League trophy to Virgil van Dijk. A weight of history passed between two great Liverpool captains as well.
Van Dijk and Hansen, what a central defensive partnership they would have made. The Scot had been the last Liverpool captain to receive a league championship trophy in front of the club’s fans, 35 years and 24 days earlier. How fitting it should be him to give the cherished piece of silverware to Liverpool’s current captain. How good it was to see Hansen too, less than a year after he was in hospital with a serious illness. Jordan Henderson was denied that electric moment with supporters by the pandemic in 2020, so too Jürgen Klopp. Both were present to witness Van Dijk and Arne Slot revel in Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th league title in front of the Kop.
The lifting of the Premier League trophy was accompanied by a deafening sound, and not only from the fireworks that exploded behind the Liverpool squad. Anfield had craved this moment since 1990 and the sight of the silverware being raised in Van Dijk’s hands ignited an outpouring of joy and pride. Amid the frenzied celebrations that followed, the Netherlands international called Hansen over. Together they lifted the title in front of the Kop. The 69‑year‑old then made a respectful exit and allowed the champions to soak up the acclaim. There will be more to follow when Liverpool parade the trophy through the streets of the city on Monday in front of an anticipated 750,000 fans.
For one of them, Alexander‑Arnold, this was a moment where apprehension turned to the deepest appreciation. The departing defender had been roundly booed on his last Anfield appearance. Whether it was the subsequent admonishments from Mohamed Salah and Klopp that did the trick, here he was given the warmest and most deserving of sendoffs. His name had been loudly cheered when announced before kick-off, although there were a few boos, and he was cheered again when replacing Conor Bradley at the start of the second half.
However, the ovation Alexander-Arnold received when stepping up to collect his second Premier League winner’s medal was magnificent. His service and contribution rightly acclaimed, he kissed the badge on his chest and thumped his heart in response. The defender was in tears after the final whistle and inconsolable when his parents, Dianne and Michael, joined him on the pitch during the trophy celebrations.
Next came Salah, who collected the Premier League’s Golden Boot and the playmaker of the season award having finished with 29 goals and 18 assists. He delivered one final goal to ensure Liverpool did not end with defeat, equalising with six minutes left after Ismaïla Sarr had given Palace an early lead and Ryan Gravenberch had been sent off. In doing so, Salah equalled the Premier League record of 47 goal involvements in a season, set by Andy Cole in 1993-94 and equalled by Alan Shearer the next year, in 42-game campaigns.
Anfield was in party mode long before kick-off and Palace’s opener barely made a dent in the celebrations. Oliver Glasner’s team gave the Premier League champions a guard of honour before kick-off. Liverpool got to the end of the line and formed one of their own. They will meet again in the Community Shield on 9 August.
Klopp was in the stands for the first time since leaving Liverpool 12 months ago. Another former Liverpool manager, Rafael Benítez, was also in attendance 20 years to the day since Istanbul. Liverpool’s captain on that unforgettable night, Steven Gerrard, was here for the presentation ceremony too along with the club’s principal owner, John W Henry, and chairman, Tom Werner.
The contest itself seemed incidental. Slot’s side were badly exposed when Bradley’s attempt to find Salah was intercepted by Tyrick Mitchell, who turned and found Sarr unmarked outside the Liverpool area. Van Dijk was stationed at left-back when Bradley played his pass and by the time he recovered ground Sarr had slotted a cool finish beyond Alisson.
Alexander-Arnold gave Anfield a reminder of what they will miss by releasing his fellow substitute Darwin Núñez with a sublime pass. Dean Henderson was off his line quickly to smother the striker’s shot.
Liverpool’s chances of recovery appeared to recede moments later when Gravenberch, dropped into central defence as Slot threw on his attacking options, miscontrolled a high ball and felled Daichi Kamada as he attempted to make amends. Gravenberch had been booked for diving in the Palace box but was shown a straight red for denying the midfielder a clear goalscoring opportunity. He will serve a one-match ban at the start of next season.
Liverpool, and Salah, would not be denied. When Núñez crossed to the far post late on, Cody Gakpo headed back across goal towards the lurking, leading marksman. Salah converted from close range via a deflection off Maxence Lacroix for his 34th goal in all competitions this season. He rightly milked the acclaim of the Kop, before Hansen and Van Dijk got the real party started.
