Liverpool are champions of England again, and although the bitterness from rival fans has been colorful and occasionally creative blaming injuries, incompetence at other clubs, VAR conspiracies, and sheer luck the reality is simple: Liverpool have been the best team in the country. They lost only two games across a relentless campaign few believed they would win before a ball was kicked. And yes, the failures of others certainly helped, but Liverpool’s success is a product of their own excellence.
With only a point needed to clinch their 20th league title, the mood around Anfield before kickoff was celebratory rather than anxious. Tottenham, visitors for the occasion, posed little threat despite taking a surprise early lead. Deep down, even Spurs seemed aware that they were destined to be mere extras in Liverpool’s party. Liverpool quickly and decisively responded, with Mohamed Salah even grabbing a phone mid-celebration to take a selfie in front of the jubilant Kop, having netted his 28th league goal of the season. It was a joyful contrast to the pandemic-era title win, when celebrations unfolded in front of empty stands.
There had been debate over whether Liverpool or Manchester United could claim the title of England’s most successful club. With Liverpool’s tally of League titles now equaling United’s, and a greater number of European Cups in their cabinet, the argument appears settled for many. Some observers, perhaps wisely, chose to enjoy the occasion from the safety of the gantry rather than venture onto the pitch for the post-match festivities, leaving the joyous chaos to others.
Though some marketing campaigns have tried to suggest Liverpool fans love their club more deeply than supporters elsewhere, the unfiltered outpouring of emotion at Anfield showed that football passion speaks the same language everywhere. Inside the ground and among the ticketless masses gathered outside, the celebrations were wild and euphoric. Flares lit up the Merseyside sky, with blue smoke a surprising and mischievous addition, the result of a prank involving an Everton fan who had switched the labels on flares before selling them outside the ground. The sight of blue clouds rising over Anfield offered a playful twist to the day’s triumph.
In a way, it hinted at the larger shifts happening in Merseyside football: while Liverpool climb back to the summit, their neighbors face an uncertain future as they prepare to leave Goodison Park. For now, though, all that mattered was that the Premier League trophy was back in Liverpool’s hands.
Amid the smoke and song, it was easy to imagine even the most hardened critics softening at the sight of such unrestrained joy. One might even suspect that a famously hard-to-please Dutch father, known for his pointed views on football, would have found himself quietly impressed by the spectacle. As Liverpool basked in their moment, it was clear: the perch had been reclaimed, and Anfield was once again the heart of English football.
