Arne Slot can become national champion with Liverpool for the twentieth time on Wednesday evening without the Premier League leaders having to play themselves.
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Liverpool have officially secured the Premier League title after Arsenal suffered a shock 1-2 defeat at home to Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.
This result means Liverpool, led by Dutch manager Arne Slot, have claimed their twentieth English league title, confirming a dominant campaign where they consistently stayed at the top. It is their second league title in the past 35 years and the first since their unforgettable 2019-20 triumph under Jürgen Klopp.
The significance of this achievement is immense, not only for the club but also for Slot personally. Having arrived at Liverpool at the start of the season after an impressive tenure with Feyenoord, Arne Slot has become the first Dutch manager ever to win the Premier League. His success has exceeded expectations, with many wondering if he could adapt quickly to the rigours and demands of English football. Slot has not only adapted; he has excelled. His tactical intelligence, ability to manage a high-pressure environment, and skill in balancing youth and experience have been instrumental in Liverpool’s title run.
Liverpool’s consistency this season has been remarkable, in a campaign where they fended off fierce competition from clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal. However, Arsenal’s unexpected defeat to Crystal Palace now leaves them thirteen points behind Liverpool with only four matches left to play, making it mathematically impossible for them to catch the leaders. This result confirmed Liverpool’s status as champions without them needing to kick a ball on Wednesday night.
The defeat was a bitter blow for Arsenal, who had gone into the match with hopes of keeping their title challenge alive. Playing in front of their home crowd at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners failed to capitalize on their chances, while Crystal Palace, who had little to play for, delivered a disciplined and spirited performance. Goals from Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta stunned the home fans, and despite a late consolation goal from Bukayo Saka, Arsenal could not find a way back into the match.
For Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, this title win carries a special significance. He becomes the first Dutch player ever to captain a team to a Premier League title. While legendary Dutch footballers like Dennis Bergkamp and Ruud van Nistelrooij lifted the Premier League trophy during their careers, neither did so as captain. Van Dijk’s leadership has been crucial throughout the season, marshalling Liverpool’s defence with authority and inspiring his teammates during key moments. His composed and commanding presence on the field has been one of the pillars of Liverpool’s success.
Had Arsenal managed a draw, Liverpool would have been unofficial champions, needing just one more point to mathematically seal the title. In that case, Slot, Van Dijk, and fellow Dutchmen Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo would have looked to secure the trophy on Sunday, when Tottenham Hotspur visit Anfield. However, Arsenal’s defeat has spared them any further waiting, allowing Liverpool to celebrate their championship early.
Slot’s success in his first season also places him among an elite group of managers who have won the Premier League at the first attempt. Only José Mourinho in 2005, Carlo Ancelotti in 2010, Manuel Pellegrini in 2014, and Antonio Conte in 2017 had previously managed this feat. Slot now joins this list, cementing his place as one of the most impactful newcomers in Premier League history.
Looking back at Liverpool’s history, only two managers before Slot won the league title in their first season at Anfield. Joe Fagan achieved this in 1984, and club legend Kenny Dalglish did the same in 1986. Slot now follows in their footsteps, writing his name into Liverpool’s rich and storied history. This twentieth title brings the club closer to their long-time rivals Manchester United, who still lead with twenty league championships.
For the fans, this moment represents the culmination of a season filled with hope, passion, and unwavering belief. Liverpool’s return to the top is a statement, not just about their resilience, but about their enduring status as one of England’s greatest football institutions. From the terraces of Anfield to supporters worldwide, the celebrations will echo the club’s anthem – they truly never walked alone.
