Just one more point. That is all that Liverpool needs against Spurs to be confirmed as Premier League champion and the expectation is that Arne Slot’s men will probably be able to deliver even more than that in the 90 minutes.
Tottenham, with a Europa League semi-final to have one eye on and nothing to play for in the league after a dismal season under Ange Postecoglou, could spoil the party, but in order to do that, it would have to produce a major shock by winning at Anfield for the first time since 2011. Liverpool should have enough to win the match, which is more than it now requires.
Heading into the week, when a Crystal Palace victory over Arsenal on Wednesday would have seen Liverpool crowned as champion without playing, Virgil van Dijk was insistent that it didn’t matter how it happened. Really, though, doing it at home, in front of a packed and delirious Anfield, is the ideal scenario.
The Liverpool captain said he wanted to give Reds fans something to celebrate and, having recently signed a new contract, reiterated comments that he would like everyone to wear club colors.
“I would just encourage everyone that comes to Anfield for the remaining games of the season to wear red,” Van Dijk said. “Come in red or come with all red, make it a red Anfield because that would look incredible. Make as much noise as you can, and then you will enjoy it even more than you already should do, in my opinion.”
For many home supporters at Liverpool games, wearing the club’s colors is not as common as many might think. Sporting replica shirts doesn’t happen as often as it does with other teams, though Reds scarves are always plentiful.
On this special occasion, though, Van Dijk specifically asked for fans to sport red garments and come out in their droves. Many are outside Anfield without a ticket to get in, just desperate to drink in the atmosphere, and the pyro filling the air with red smoke is already being sent skywards.
(Image: PA)
“The overriding message today is very simple — we have a job to do,” Slot writes in his matchday program notes. “It is a job that everyone associated with Liverpool FC should be excited about because the possibilities it creates are there for all to see but, as with every other game we have played this season, hard work will be absolutely crucial.
“Focusing on the job at hand is not just desirable, it is absolutely essential. On and off the pitch, our aim has to be to get as close as we possibly can to our A-game.”
After waiting more than three decades to see their team win the league title in person, Liverpool fans believe today will be the day. If their team can secure the trophy with four games to spare, it will be a remarkable achievement in Slot’s first campaign — and this time, they will be there to revel in it.
