Liverpool FC, coached by Jürgen Klopp, won 3-1 (1-1) against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the same time, but that wasn’t enough because the “Reds” went into the season finale one point behind.
The match at Anfield started with a shock for the hosts when Pedro Neto (3rd minute) scored for the Wolves. Liverpool, initially without the recently injured top scorer Mohamed Salah, then seemed a bit nervous, but were the game-determining team and came through Sadio Mané (24th) to a deserved equalizer.
Deafening “The Kop”
Then a deafening cheer erupted in Liverpool’s famous ‘The Kop’ stand as word of Man City’s deficit spread. Matthew Cash (37th) scored for Aston Villa, whose coach Gerrard narrowly missed the title with Liverpool in 2014 and never celebrated a championship.
Mané scored again for Liverpool shortly after the start of the second half, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Klopp, who kept gesturing nervously on the sidelines, brought Salah for Diogo Jota after just under an hour. The intermediate score from Manchester, where Coutinho (69th) scored for Villa, caused jubilation again.
But then substitute Gündogan (76th and 81st) and Rodri (78th) scored. Liverpool’s goals from Mohamed Salah (84′) and Andy Robertson (89′) were ultimately worthless.
Most exciting title race in years
This marks the end of one of the most exciting title races in England for years. In February, Liverpool were twelve points behind Man City, who had played two games more than their long-term rivals at the time. In the final spurt, the two teams, which had twice played 2-2 in direct league duels, were only separated by one point.
Former BVB coach Klopp won the first championship in 30 years with Liverpool in 2020. His team have already lifted the League Cup and the FA Cup this year, meaning that the 54-year-old has now won every title in England. In addition, Liverpool could win the Champions League for the second time after 2019 in a week. In the Paris final on Saturday we face Real Madrid.
Tottenham in the Champions League, Leeds celebrate relegation
Tottenham Hotspur secured fourth place and participation in the Champions League thanks to a brilliant 5-0 (2-0) win against relegated Norwich City. Leeds United and national player Robin Koch celebrated staying in the league with a 2-1 (0-0) win against Brentford FC, since their direct competitor FC Burnley Newcastle United lost 1-2 (0-1).
Source: red/sid/dpa