‘Liverpool trophy absence causes outrage as Premier League tradition claim rejected’
Liverpool winning the Premier League at Anfield without lifting the trophy has caused consternation as the explanation for why is in dispute.
Under-pressure Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham travelled to Merseyside for a rather meaningless game in their season with all eyes on the Europa League, but it meant everything to Arne Slot and his players.
A fantastic header from Dominic Solanke gave Spurs a shock lead, but it was never really in doubt, as Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Mohamed Salah got the party started, topped off by Destiny Udogie’s own goal.
Fans, of course, were not allowed in the stadium last time the Reds were crowned champions during the 2019/20 campaign, and those same supporters are yet to see their players lift the trophy.
While the squad and manager walked laps of the Anfield pitch, there was no trophy in sight for the players to celebrate with, and create incredible memories for the supporters, and Richard Keys has taken a serious issue with that while rejecting the supposed tradition of waiting for the final home game.
Richard Keys destroys Premier League champions celebrations at Anfield
Writing on his personal blog (28 April), Keys said: “Missing yesterday was the trophy. I haven’t heard one good reason why it wasn’t presented. All this [expletive] that it’s traditional to do it on the last day of the season.
“No, it’s not. When there’s doubt – of course, you’ve got to wait. But when there isn’t, get it done. Without being able to show off the trophy, there wasn’t a focal point for the players to gravitate to. Eventually, they had nowhere to run and celebrate.
“They should’ve had a trophy to show off. The people who’d paid good money to be inside Anfield deserved to see it. Fine. If TV and the sponsors want their pound of flesh on the last day, make the official presentation then.
“And that’s what will happen, of course, but you won’t be able to replicate the joy or emotion that was evident yesterday. There’s only one first. The moment has passed now. It’ll still be good on the last day, but it won’t be the same, and that’s a shame.”
Arne Slot only just starting in new Liverpool era
Football Insider verdict
Despite securing the Premier League title with four games to spare, going 15 points clear of Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal, supporters have been left wanting more after Slot’s first season in charge.
The Dutchman has yet to adapt the squad to his playing style, still working from the leftovers of Jurgen Klopp’s reign, which includes the likes of Diogo Jota, Andy Robertson, and Wataru Endo.
| Manager | Games | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win % |
| Arne Slot | 52 | 38 | 7 | 7 | 73.1 |
Darwin Nunez has also been linked with a Liverpool exit, possibly joining Trent Alexander-Arnold and Federico Chiesa out the exit doors this summer, so there could be a multitude of changes.
It is understandable, especially given the differences in the two managers’ playing styles, and the summer transfer window should help bridge the gap between reality and fans’ expectations.
The Champions League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup were all there for the taking, but after a run of rather disappointing results, the club had to settle for the league title this time around.