Liverpool's unassuming genius makes the team tick and deserves unsung hero award

The title-winning party started hours before kick-off and exploded at the final whistle. It was always going to be a mere formality for the coronation of Arne Slot’s glorious champions.

But the ear-splitting noise, the sea of red and the celebrations within Anfield made it the best party in 35 years. They danced in front of the Kop, let off red fireworks and even Slot was jumping up and down in delight as the whole stadium was bouncing after an unforgettable day and season.

Liverpool sealed their 20th title - to equal Manchester United - and manager Slot and his red heroes wrote their names into club folklore. The last title success came in 2020 during Covid times when they lifted the trophy in front of an empty stadium and it felt as if they were determined to make up for lost time.

Huge crowds had been gathering around Anfield since early Sunday morning with an air of expectancy because they were already so far ahead and only needed a point. Liverpool duly did to Tottenham what they have been doing to opponents all season: they overwhelmed them, outclassed them and scored great goals in the process.

It was so fitting that Liverpool clinched it in front of their own fans - and did it in such style. With four games to go, Liverpool could reach 94 points which is a tally to stand up to examination against the best of Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City in the last few seasons.

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Liverpool are the one team to have shown consistency this season while the rest have crumbled in their wake. No-one, be it Arsenal, Manchester City and the rest, have been able to live with them.

Mo Salah has been the best player in the Premier League. Virgil van Dijk the best defender. And spare a thought for Alexis Mac Allister who is the quiet, unassuming genius who makes the whole thing tick. If there was an award for unsung hero, it would be his.

Incredibly, Tottenham had the temerity to actually take the lead after 12 minutes when Dominic Solanke headed home James Maddison’s corner. Maddison’s imaginary bow and arrow celebration soon looked daft. But that never stops Maddison from being a prize plonker.

If anything, the goal gave Liverpool focus. They forgot about only needing a point - and went for the jugular. They were level after 16 minutes. Dominik Szoboszlai beat the offside trap and a VAR check before putting over a low cross for Luis Diaz to tap in.

Soon after, Liverpool had turned it round. Ryan Gravenberch outmuscled Archie Gray on the edge of the box, the ball rolled to Mac Allister and his spectacular shot flew into the top corner.

It was 3-1 before half time. Cody Gakpo was given too much time and space in the box to swivel and score with a low shot into the bottom corner. Salah was always going to join in the festivities. The Egyptian king darted inside the Spurs penalty box and buried a low shot into the bottom corner.

That was his 33rd goal of the season, his first from open play since mid-February and puts him fifth and above Sergio Aguero with 185 in the Premier League all-time list.

Liverpool’s fifth was a VAR farce. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross was turned into his own net by Destiny Udogie but he would not have played the ball had Salah been behind him and he was clearly offside.

Slot follows only Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Manuel Pellegrini and Antonio Conte in winning the Premier League title in their first season.

That just goes to show that Slot belongs in elite company. The first title has been won and, on the evidence of this season, there will be plenty more to follow.

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