‘Way better than 2020’

Arne Slot says sky-high expectations at Liverpool will not allow for any let-up next season after they won the Premier League title in style. A crushing 5-1 victory against Tottenham at a raucous Anfield on Sunday put the Reds out of reach of nearest challengers Arsenal with four games to go. 

Level with Man Utd on titles

Liverpool are now level with bitter rivals Manchester United on 20 English top-flight titles after winning just their second league crown in the Premier League era. It is a remarkable achievement for Slot, who took over the managerial reins from Jurgen Klopp last June, with few pundits expecting him to win the league in his first season. 

Also Read: Jaiswal’s willow, Pant’s helmet for Chappell Foundation auction

Thousands of fans lingered outside Anfield hours after the final whistle on Sunday, chanting and letting off fireworks as they revelled in the club’s success. The emotion was heightened by the memory of their 2020 title, with that trophy lifted behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions. Slot, who has eased seamlessly into life at Anfield, said plans were already in place for next season and there would be no problems in motivating his men as he targets more silverware. “I don’t have to manage expectations because the expectations of this club are always the same,” said the former Feyenoord boss.  

Slot hails camaraderie

“We have to compete for every trophy, and that didn’t change when I came in and that doesn’t change next season. We have a group of players that are able to win things, but we’re not the only one. There are so many great teams in this league and in the Champions League, so it’s never going to be easy, but we have to compete.”

Mohamed Salah labelled Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th English title as “way better” than their previous Premier League triumph five years ago.  “This is way better, 100 per cent,” the Egypt forward said. “Without Sadio [Mane], without Jurgen, without Bobby [Firmino] — without everybody it feels more special. We have a different group now, different manager, so to be able to do it again is something special.” 

Salah was delighted to win the title in front of Liverpool’s frenzied supporters. Their previous title came during the Covid-19 pandemic when lockdown restrictions meant fans weren’t allowed into Anfield to celebrate. “It is incredible to win this with our fans. I’m glad we won it here,” he said.

How Liverpool did it! 

Five reasons why Reds dominated this  English Premier League season

Liverpool boss Arne Slot 

1 Arne Slot is known to be a quick-thinker who loves to learn from footage of clubs all over the world. His way of playing attacking, aggressive football has contributed heavily to the team’s success this season. He is the first Dutch manager to win an English top-flight title and the fifth manager to win in his debut season

2 Positive results vs big five opponents (Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham) helped

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah is all smiles after their title triumph

3 Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has enjoyed a superb season with a league-leading 28 goals and 18 assists so far, a record for goal involvements (46)

4 The Reds lead the Premier League rankings for goals, shots and shots on target

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk after their win over Tottenham in Liverpool

5 Skipper Virgil van Dijk is the only outfield player to play every minute in the 34 games played this season. He and Salah played over 3,000 minutes each

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever