Jamie Carragher was not in attendance at Anfield to see Liverpool secure the Premier League title on Sunday as he supported his wife in the London Marathon.
Jamie’s wife, Nicola, completed the race in the British capital to collect the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal, which is is awarded to runners who successfully complete all six of the original World Marathon Majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York.
The Liverpool legend’s family commitments meant he was not on Merseyside when the Reds’ status as champions was confirmed courtesy of the 5-1 victory over Tottenham.
However, Carragher did give his verdict on Liverpool’s title win in his column for The Telegraph. He wrote: “League championships are won and lost in that critical period from early November through to the beginning of March, absorbing the tough schedules around Christmas when it is survival of the fittest. Liverpool won 14 and drew six of their fixtures in that run, while City and Arsenal could not keep the pace. That was the defining spell, including Liverpool winning home and away against the team who won the title for four successive years. That is championship-winning form.
“By the run-in, it was effectively over, the lack of jeopardy giving the unfair impression Liverpool were somehow a less exciting watch. Like every great champion winning with time to spare, Liverpool had earned the right to do what they had to do.”
Carragher’s partner in crime on Sky Sports, Gary Neville, was at Anfield for the game against Spurs. The Manchester United legend was on co-commentary duty alongside Peter Drury but neglected to rejoin Sky’s punditry team after full-time, which is something he usually does.
He said on Sky Sports: “There is no point in me coming down here again. I think the Liverpool fans probably won’t let me get out of the commentary box!”
(Image: Sky Sports)
Neville did, however, admit prior to kick-off that Liverpool’s impending title win would put the Reds’ status as the most successful club in England beyond doubt. “It is a massive deal,” Neville said as he described the day as “sobering”. “When you consider the importance of a league title, the managers at Liverpool and United always emphasize that the league is your bread and butter.
“There was a time when you could debate which club was the most successful when United had 20 titles. Yes, Liverpool have more European Cups, but the hard truth is that the debate is over for now until United regain their success and start winning leagues again.
“This should send shockwaves through Old Trafford. If Liverpool win today, they’ll become the most successful club, and that should cause heartache and pain. It took a lot for United to surpass Liverpool, and now that advantage will be lost.”
