Liverpool capped their title-winning Premier League campaign with a 1–1 draw against Crystal Palace at a jubilant Anfield on Sunday. With the record-equalling 20th English league title already secured in April, the game was less about the result and more about the moment.
Crystal Palace, still riding high after their FA Cup win, gave the Reds a guard of honour before kick-off. Liverpool reciprocated the gesture, saluting Palace’s cup triumph.
The game began with an early blow as Ismaila Sarr put Palace ahead in the ninth minute. Liverpool, unfazed by the setback, dominated possession and created several chances. Luis Díaz came closest, forcing saves and narrowly missing the target. The second half saw the introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his 354th and final appearance for his boyhood club. His lofted pass nearly led to a goal for Darwin Núñez, but Palace keeper Dean Henderson stood firm.
The match took a tense turn when Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the 68th minute for a rash challenge on Daichi Kamada. Despite being down to ten men, Liverpool continued to press, with Diogo Jota hitting the post.
Relief came in the 84th minute when Mohamed Salah bundled in the equaliser, registering his 29th league goal of the season. The strike saw Salah equal the record for most goal involvements (47) in a Premier League season, previously held by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer.
Salah, who claimed both the Golden Boot and Playmaker of the Season awards, was presented with his trophies by club legend Ian Rush. After the final whistle, club great Alan Hansen handed the Premier League trophy to captain Virgil van Dijk, while former managers Kenny Dalglish and Jürgen Klopp watched on.
As the players linked arms to sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” before a roaring Anfield, Liverpool’s return to glory after decades of waiting was complete. The celebrations will continue Monday with an open-top bus parade through the streets of Liverpool.
Chelsea return to Champions League as Forest fall short
Chelsea secured a Champions League spot with a narrow 1–0 victory over Nottingham Forest, thanks to Levi Colwill’s second-half strike. Enzo Maresca’s side, often criticised for their conservative tactics, finished fourth with 69 points. Forest, who had lingered in the top four for weeks, missed out after failing to win any of their last four home games, settling for seventh and a Europa Conference League berth.
City clinch third with Fulham win
Manchester City concluded a difficult campaign on a high, beating Fulham 2–0. Ilkay Gundogan’s overhead kick and an Erling Haaland penalty secured third place with 71 points, City’s lowest finish since 2017.
Newcastle squeeze into top four despite loss
Newcastle United lost 1–0 to Everton but still claimed the final Champions League spot. Their fifth-place finish, equal on points with Aston Villa, was enough due to a superior goal difference, confirmed only after Manchester United beat Villa 2–0 at Old Trafford.
United deny Villa, miss out on Europe
Manchester United’s win over Aston Villa was marred by controversy. Villa saw a goal disallowed and Emi Martinez sent off before United sealed the match with goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen. Villa, furious at the officiating, must settle for the Europa League. Despite the win, United’s 15th-place finish means they will not play in Europe next season.
Southampton suffer historic low
Southampton ended their relegation season with a 2–1 loss to Arsenal, becoming the first team to lose 30 times in a single Premier League campaign. Arsenal secured a third successive second-placed Premier League finish, ten points behind Liverpool, while Southampton remains bottom.
(With inputs from agencies)
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