Liverpool’s new era under Arne Slot reached historic heights on Sunday as the Reds stormed to a dazzling 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, clinching their 20th top-flight title and matching Manchester United’s long-standing record. In doing so, Slot became the first Dutch manager to lift the Premier League trophy, capping off a debut season few could have predicted.
Slot wasted no time in paying heartfelt tribute to his predecessor, Jürgen Klopp. Moments after the final whistle at Anfield, the 46-year-old turned the spotlight back on the man who laid the foundations for Liverpool’s latest triumph, even leading the fans in a rousing song that replaced his own name with Klopp’s, a nod to the anthem Klopp once requested for his farewell. The new manager revealed he and Klopp had kept in regular contact throughout the season, underscoring the strength of the bond between the outgoing and incoming regimes.
While many viewed Slot’s appointment as a long-term project, few expected such immediate success. The Dutchman, ever modest, admitted that at the season’s outset, securing a Champions League place would have been seen as a major achievement. However, Liverpool’s blistering form — aided by a rare stumble from Manchester City — propelled them into an unrelenting title charge that culminated in joyous scenes on Merseyside.
An early scare saw Dominic Solanke fire Spurs into an unexpected lead, but any nerves inside Anfield quickly dissipated. Slot remarked that the belief from fans and players alike never wavered, with the electric atmosphere making defeat seem unthinkable. Roared on by a sea of red, Liverpool swiftly turned the game around and never looked back.
This latest title holds special significance. Five years ago, Liverpool’s triumph came amid the sterile backdrop of pandemic restrictions, celebrated without supporters. This time, the stands were heaving with passion and pride, with Mohamed Salah summing up the collective sentiment: nothing compares to winning it on home soil, with the Anfield faithful in full voice.
Salah himself was once again pivotal, notching his 28th goal of the season and providing a remarkable 18 assists. Despite persistent speculation about his future, the Egyptian superstar recently committed to a new two-year deal and spoke with conviction about the challenges ahead. He noted that retaining the title will prove even tougher, but expressed absolute faith that the team is poised for continued success under Slot’s leadership.
Club captain Virgil van Dijk, who made history by becoming Liverpool’s first non-British captain to lift the English league title, dedicated the success to supporters across the globe, hailing Liverpool as “the most beautiful club in the world.” Fellow veteran Andy Robertson, now a two-time Premier League champion, reflected on the immense pride of adding his name to a distinguished list of Scottish players who have left their mark at Anfield.
For Alexis Mac Allister, the journey has been nothing short of dreamlike. Having won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, the midfielder added a Premier League winners’ medal to his growing collection, crediting the achievement to the strength and unity of his team-mates.
As Liverpool bask in the glory of a landmark achievement, attention inevitably begins to turn to the challenges of defending their crown. Slot and his players, however, are in no rush to move on just yet. With a few matches still to play and memories to savour, the celebrations look set to continue long into the summer.
A new chapter at Anfield has begun — and if this season is anything to go by, the story of Arne Slot’s Liverpool is only just getting started.
