Liverpool thrash Spurs to secure Premier League title at Anfield

Liverpool clinched the Premier League title with a commanding 5-1 victory over Tottenham at a jubilant Anfield on Sunday, equalling Manchester United's record of 20 top-flight league titles.

Arne Slot's side bounced back in style after an early setback, with Tottenham briefly threatening to spoil the party before Liverpool took full control, dominating the first half and sending the crowd of over 60,000 into raptures.

Having already secured the title ahead of second-placed Arsenal, Liverpool's triumph now sees them level with their bitter rivals Manchester United as the joint-most successful club in English top-flight history.

The match began in front of an expectant crowd, with a stirring rendition of the club anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" setting the tone for the day. Mohamed Salah had an early chance, while Cody Gakpo came close with a spectacular overhead kick. However, Tottenham stunned the home side when Dominic Solanke headed home from a James Maddison corner in the 12th minute.

But Liverpool responded just four minutes later when Luis Diaz converted Dominik Szoboszlai's cross from close range, despite an offside flag initially going up. VAR overturned the decision, and the goal stood.

From that point, the momentum swung firmly in Liverpool's favour. Alexis Mac Allister put them ahead in the 24th minute, unleashing a thunderous strike past Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from the edge of the box.

The Reds were now in full flow, and Gakpo made it 3-1, slamming the ball into the bottom corner after Spurs failed to clear their lines. Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou made eight changes to his side after last week's loss to Nottingham Forest, clearly prioritising their Europa League semi-final. They were now up against it.

As the second half unfolded, the Liverpool fans – who had been deprived of celebrating their 2020 Premier League title due to Covid-19 restrictions – roared their team on. Salah, the top scorer, finally got the goal everyone had been waiting for, collecting Szoboszlai's pass, cutting inside, and blasting the ball into the bottom corner. The Egyptian celebrated by grabbing a fan's phone and taking a selfie in front of the Kop, much to the delight of the crowd.

The atmosphere was electric, with chants of "We're going to win the league" and "We shall not be moved" filling the air. As the game neared its conclusion, Spurs' Destiny Udogie inadvertently scored an own goal, poking the ball past his own goalkeeper to make it 5-1.

With the match well and truly wrapped up, Liverpool's fans raised their scarves and belts in unison as their team celebrated the final whistle with a thunderous roar. Liverpool are now 15 points clear of Arsenal, with just four games remaining.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are languishing in 16th place, having suffered their 19th defeat of the season, leaving Postecoglou under immense pressure as they continue to struggle in the league.

Ahead of kick-off, tens of thousands of fans gathered around Anfield, setting off flares as they waited for Liverpool's coronation. Flags and scarves emblazoned with "Liverpool 20-time Champions" were on sale outside the stadium.

At the start of the season, Manchester City were favourites to secure a fifth consecutive Premier League title, but their form collapsed. Arsenal emerged as their closest challengers, but too many draws allowed Liverpool to capitalise on rare slip-ups.

Liverpool's new manager, Arne Slot, had faced questions about how his side would adapt after replacing Jurgen Klopp last June following the German's departure after nine successful years at Anfield. However, Slot has guided Liverpool with composure and confidence, despite the relentless speculation surrounding the futures of key players like Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Both Salah and Van Dijk have since signed two-year contract extensions, though there is still speculation that Alexander-Arnold may be on the verge of a move to Real Madrid.