Ben Guest
It’s been a long-time coming, but Liverpool finally got their hands on the Premier League trophy following a pulsating victory over Champions League chasing Chelsea.
The champions came into the game with nothing really to play for ahead of the iconic trophy lift, the Reds having wrapped up the league title weeks ago, while their defeat against Arsenal last week cost them the chance to beat the Premier League‘s points record.
However, they looked determined to go out with a bang, and opened up a 3-0 lead thanks to a pair of superb goals from Naby Keita and Trent Alexander-Arnold, before Georginio Wijnaldum made it three as Chelsea failed to deal with a Liverpool corner.
Olivier Giroud pulled one back on the stroke of half time before Roberto Firmino finally netted his first Anfield goal of the season, the Brazilian heading home an exquisite cross from local lad Alexander-Arnold.
Chelsea hauled themselves back in the game thanks to goals from Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic, and as they pushed for an equaliser, Liverpool punished them on the break, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain poking home at the back post following a swift breakaway by Sadio Mane and Andrew Robertson down the left.
Despite the excellent action on show, the day was all about Liverpool finally getting their hands on their Premier League trophy, and Jurgen Klopp admitted the teams success was down to their excellent consistency.
“It’s a great moment [to lift the trophy]. It’s all about consistency. We had to earn that, it’s all about staying greedy,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
Asked about his pre-match message to the players, he admitted he was surprised by their performance levels against Chelsea ahead of being handed the trophy.
“I can say in a pre-match meeting whatever I want – it was a free choice – ‘You want to win? you have to work hard. You don’t care? You don’t have to go out’, because Chelsea are too good and their target is too high.
🔙🔛🔝
For the very first time, the pride of the Premier League!
30 years of hurt are finally over… 🏆#LFC get their hands on the Premier League trophy at Anfield! 👑 pic.twitter.com/ftuYxE6Vew
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 22, 2020
“And then playing a game like this, I’m surprised myself, how can you put in a shift like that when you’re thinking ‘I want to be fine afterwards’.”
Aside from the Premier League, Liverpool have also collected the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup in what has been an incredible 12 months for the Merseyside outfit.
“We are champions – it’s the truth,” Klopp beamed. “We won four trophies, big ones. I couldn’t be more proud. Usually, I don’t need pictures with something but I will have a picture with all four trophies, it doesn’t happen too often.”
Of course, the trophy lift was played out at an empty stadium due to the ongoing pandemic, and Klopp is looking forward to being able to have a ‘party’ with the club’s fans once it is safe to do so.
"I'd swap every medal i've got just to have this one round my neck!" 🥇
Lifelong #LFC fan Trent Alexander-Arnold says winning the Premier League title was for his family. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/B34sgMemDf
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 22, 2020
“If you don’t see that we do it for you I can’t help you. You made us happy, we all should celebrate at home. Prepare for a party and when this bulls*t virus has gone, we will have a party.”
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