Liverpool supporters were in a party mood ahead of Sunday’s clash with Tottenham, knowing they only need a draw to seal the Premier League title.
The Reds have run away with the league this season in the absence of any real challenge and sit 12 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal with five games to play.
The Gunners only have four matches remaining, meaning a point on Sunday will put Arne Slot‘s men out of reach.
Liverpool have won just one title since 1990 and the celebrations were limited as it occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic.
They lifted the trophy in an empty stadium in 2020 but that won’t be happening this time.
And fans were ready to make the most of Sunday’s game knowing anything but a defeat would crown them champions.
Liverpool fans were in a party mood as they arrived early for Sunday’s Premier League clash
The Liverpool team bus was given a stunning welcome ahead of a landmark game
Cutouts of Liverpool’s stars were held aloft as the drinks flowed outside Anfield
Fans were seen passing a replica Premier League trophies around for photographs
A street artist designed a mural celebrating what will be Liverpool’s 20th Premier League title
They were seen arriving at Anfield well before kick-off as the drinks began flowing and the volume increased.
Red flares were set off while banners were held up celebrating what will almost certainly be a 20th Premier League title.
A street artist had also designed a mural in commemoration of the achievement while there was a replica Premier League trophy being passed around for photos.
Arne Slot says he knows how much it will mean to the red half of the city and its fans ahead of the game.
Asked if he understood the enormity of the occasion, he said: ‘Yes. I think I do. Like every fan around the world, we all watched when Liverpool won the league five years ago.
‘I think I know a bit about what it means for this club and the fans. But to be part of it will probably be different. But we still need a point.
‘It is a big responsibility because we are aware of the fact the last time this club won the league it was Covid so everyone is looking forward to Sunday. But we are aware there is a job still to be done and that is (to win) one point.
‘I know how hard it was to win against a team that was close to relegation (Leicester last week). It was hard to get the win over the line. I am not getting carried away at all.’
The bus was barely visible through the smoke as the Liverpool faithful cheered its arrival
Liverpool need only a draw to wrap up what would be a 20th Premier League title
The home fans were in great spirits ahead of the game as the sun shone on Merseyside
Red flares were set off as the Liverpool supporters mingled outside their stadium
There was special merchandise on sale to mark what could be a memorable occasion
Slot was told that he stands inches away from legendary status at Anfield but said: ‘Yeah, but I prefer to keep my mind on that inch and not on what happens afterwards because there is still an inch to be done.’
Liverpool’s squad gathered together on Wednesday when the title could have been won if Arsenal lost to Crystal Palace – they drew 2-2 – and his family will be present at Anfield on Sunday to see what will be his second league title after a triumph with Feyenoord.
The 46-year-old has been trying to keep a low profile this week but has had some interactions with fans. He said: ‘Sometimes when I’m driving on the motorway, they come up next to you (waves his hand), right next to you for 500metres or so.
‘There aren’t many interactions to be made because I go from the training ground to my house, I open the gate and drive into my house.
‘Yesterday when I wanted to have lunch, I thought, “S***, I don’t have anything in my fridge”. So I needed to go to the supermarket. It was in and out, but there was someone who wanted to take photos of me. But I don’t go outside that much, so there aren’t many options to talk to me.’
Slot added that his team can only get better. ‘Parts of the season we were maybe quite close to (what I want) or phases in a game but in general every manager that works at a top club wants to have control of a game, every single minute of the game but that is hardly possible,’ he said.
‘There were phases also during the season or during games where we didn’t have that control so I think we can do it and we have to become even better than we are now and we can, that is definitely my opinion.’
