How Liverpool's 2024-25 compares with 2019-20published at 17:54 25 April
17:54 25 April
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool are on the cusp of Premier League glory.
A draw at home to Tottenham on Sunday would confirm the Merseysiders as champions with four games to spare.
Arne Slot has gained praise for making Liverpool more of a controlled outfit and less 'rock and roll' than his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp.
But how does the Dutchman's team compare with Klopp's title-winning side of 2020?
The stats indicated Slot has made slight tweaks to an already-impressive engine, introducing a more direct style of play that focuses slightly less on pressing than Klopp's team.
Why Spurs could struggle at Anfieldpublished at 15:44 25 April
Spurs go to Anfield on Sunday knowing that they could upset a potential title party, with Liverpool needing only a point to be confirmed as 2024-25 Premier League champions.
Arne Slot's team, while not as gung-ho as Jurgen Klopp's previous iteration of the Reds, focus a lot on pressing their opponents and could scarcely have chosen a better side to play on Sunday for this reason.
Only Manchester United and Southampton have been turned over in their own third more so far in the 2024-25 Premier League season than Tottenham.
Ange Postecoglou's team have faced 291 high turnovers, with United facing 292 and the Saints 308.
Spurs also have the fourth-highest xG against stat in the league (54.3). Only relegated sides Southampton and Leicester, and 18th-placed Ipswich, have bigger values in this category.
Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah has also contributed to 20 goals against Tottenham - his third highest total against an opponent, behind Manchester United (22) and Manchester City (21).
Salah has scored 15 and assisted five in just 23 matches versus Spurs.
Slot 'not getting carried away' with title talkpublished at 15:43 25 April
15:43 25 April
Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Arne Slot was once linked with taking over at Tottenham but he ended up taking over as Liverpool manager and, ironically, could secure a 20th top-flight title for the Reds against Spurs.
The Dutchman's side need just a draw against the north Londoners at Anfield on Sunday to confirm themselves as champions for the first time since 2019-20 under Jurgen Klopp.
Slot was typically not "getting carried away at all" when he spoke to the media on Friday morning, but a point and a party is the least the fans will expect against a struggling Tottenham side who face a Europa League semi-final, first leg against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.
There was plenty of talk of a possible title and, unusually, reporters were asked to leave the training ground, which hosts the news conference, earlier than usual as there was filming taking place.
Interestingly, Slot was also questioned about stories in Portugal that Liverpool will have to pay Benfica 5m euros if striker Darwin Nunez starts another game for the Reds and whether this was playing a part in his team selection.
"It is completely new to me," said Slot.
"The last, last, last, last, thing [sporting director Richard Hughes] would do, I expect having worked with him for 10 months, is tell me: 'If you play him it would cost us this much.'
"I don't even know if it's true, yes or no, because we never talk about that. He never interferes with a line-up."
'We deserve all the celebrations we will allow for ourselves - together'published at 11:23 25 April
11:23 25 April
Josh Sexton Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool are about to win the Premier League. That means, for the first time in 35 years, we will be able to properly celebrate the fact we are the champions - in stadiums, in bars and pubs, on the streets, with our mates.
It means Liverpool Football Club will remain the most successful club in English football, and can headline that with a record-equalling 20 league titles. It means everything to us and more.
When in the midst of these celebrations, we will not think about how it could have been different.
How maybe if the Reds had eased off the gas a little at the turn of the year - the time when most previous title winners suffered blips before our perceptions were warped by Pep Guardiola's Manchester City sides - things might feel a little more tense and exciting.
How maybe if the Reds were limping over the line after dropping a series of points - as I watched Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United sides do for years only to be bailed out by unlikely heroes such as Federico Macheda - we would be more consumed by the rush of blood.
Let me tell you, I am plenty consumed by Liverpool winning this league title.
Jurgen Klopp leaving was tense enough for me. I stared into the abyss and wondered how the unproven Arne Slot could possibly follow in such ginormous footsteps.
And then Slot just went about his business. Coaching his football team and winning games of football with such aplomb that every game at the start of the season felt exciting - like a rush of blood.
His team cemented themselves as the best in this country so early that we have held them to higher standards - similar to a City under Guardiola or a Ferguson United side.
The reality is, they will belong in that rarefied air.
They may well finish with 90-plus points and they will deserve all the acclaim we give them.
And we deserve all the celebrations we will allow for ourselves and each other - together.
Slot on 'not getting carried away', Bradley's fitness and Nunez rumourspublished at 09:44 25 April
09:44 25 April
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Slot on needing a point to win the Premier League title
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Tottenham (kick-off 16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
He said Sunday's game is a "big responsibility" because "a job still needs to be done" in order to be crowned Premier League champions.
On the party feeling: "We need at least one point. That is what we know and, hopefully, what our fans know as well when they come to the stadium that they support us in the best possible way. It's a nice game to look forward to."
He said becoming the 12th manager - and first Dutchman - to win the title with Liverpool "is the last thing that is on your mind" at this stage and added: "I am not getting carried away."
On whether he believed he could achieve this in his debut season: "You know the expectations that this club has to win trophies. Most managers worked here for a long time so you get a lot of chances to win something. You are aware of it but that's not the first thing you think about when you walk through the door."
Conor Bradley could be available to start and play the full 90 minutes if he gets through the final two training sessions with no issues.
More on Bradley: "We are also taking very good care of him because he's had two similar injuries. It's going to be very important for him to become a better player than he is now to play many games in a row. Unfortunately for him, there is another full-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is world class and also at this club."
On comments that the Premier League has been weaker this season: "It's never been as exciting for a top four or five finish. In the other years it's been quite clear who would finish there. In my opinion it's a really difficult league. That's my experience as there has never been an easy game."
Defender Joe Gomez is expected to return "for the last game or two if his recovery goes as planned".
On reports that Liverpool will have to pay Benfica another five million euros for Darwin Nunez if he makes a 10th start: "Do you always believe what journalists say? Sometimes it is better not to believe everything that is written. That is new to me. It might be true but Richard [Hughes] would never interfere with the line up and tell me who I can and cannot play."
Liverpool set to get party startedpublished at 08:09 25 April
08:09 25 April
Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
A point. Just one point. That's all that Liverpool need to win a 20th top flight title so fans will be primed to get the party started at Anfield on Sunday when the Reds host Tottenham.
And, judging by Spurs' record at Liverpool, there's little evidence that Arne Slot's team will not be confirmed as champions in the Dutchman's first season in charge.
Tottenham are without a win at Anfield since 2011 and, on top of that, come into the game having lost 18 league games this season and with their focus on a Europa League semi-final first-leg tie against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.
Liverpool have been beaten just twice in the league this season - once at Anfield - and have the best home record in the top flight having earned 41 points from 16 games.
There were few, if any, that thought Slot would lead the Reds to the title after he arrived from Feyenoord to replace Jurgen Klopp last summer.
However, he is on the brink of guiding a team that fell away in the latter stages of last season to a top-flight crown that will draw them level on 20 titles with arch rivals Manchester United.
Slot will chat to the media at about 09:00 BST this morning and we'll see if he is his usual calm and considered self, or if he allows himself to take in what he is so close to achieving.
'All this with Klopp's team? An extraordinary achievement'published at 11:39 24 April
11:39 24 April
Jordan Chamberlain Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Barring an absurdity, Liverpool will win the Premier League title at a packed and celebrating Anfield this Sunday afternoon.
After years of missing out narrowly to Pep Guardiola's frustratingly brilliant Manchester City, it is bizarre how easy it all feels.
A Liverpool win against Tottenham will take Arne Slot's Reds 15 points clear with four games to go. It's been a cakewalk, in all honesty. Even a draw will see Liverpool win the title.
Arsenal have drawn 13 games. City used to seemingly win every match from February onwards and Jurgen Klopp's sides would miss out by a point here or there. Liverpool could win the title on 80 points this season, but finished second on 97 and 92 points under the German.
Even last season's Liverpool team were only five points worse off at this stage of the campaign and would have waltzed this title.
It feels unfair that Klopp only won one title with a better, more rounded team than Slot's. But he should take credit for laying the foundations for the Dutchman, who has proved himself an elite tactician, a wonderfully composed orator and the best manager in the league this term.
City falling off a cliff was the catalyst to make Liverpool fans believe, and Arsenal not being able to string wins together helped, too. But let's not blame it on their injuries alone. Before Bukayo Saka's injury, Liverpool were still plenty of points clear of the Gunners.
To think, Slot made no signing of note in the summer - Federico Chiesa has barely had a sniff. Slot has done all of this with Klopp's team. What an extraordinary achievement.
Point needed against Spurs to seal titlepublished at 22:04 23 April
22:04 23 April
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Liverpool now need only one point to win the Premier League after Arsenal were held 2-2 at home by Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Jean Philippe's sublime equaliser in the 83rd minute earned the visitors a deserved point at Emirates Stadium.
Arne Slot's side will be crowned champions if they avoid defeat by Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday (16:30 BST kick-off).
'A real statement of intent' - fans on Huijsen linkpublished at 19:31 23 April
19:31 23 April
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Following the news of Liverpool's interest in Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, we asked for your views on the potential move.
Here are some of your comments:
Geoff: A two-footed, young defender who can play on either side of defence, but primarily on the left. An affordable release clause. Unknown potential but a seemingly high ceiling... This would be a great signing for Liverpool and would show our commitment to strengthening. Get the deal done early and move on to the next area to strengthen.
Chris: Potentially a brilliant signing for the long term. However, I think he will eventually end up in Spain and I'd like to see Ibrahima Konate stay. But if we could have them both it would be a real statement of intent.
Tez: He would be a good signing for the future. He would also provide quality back-up for Virgil van Dijk, which has been lacking. May be good enough to cover at left-back. But, at £50m, not so certain.
James: Exactly the type of signing we should be making. Hopefully one of our rivals doesn't swoop in like on so many other occasions. We are a very attractive prospect as well. What centre-back wouldn't want to learn from Van Dijk?!
Mark: With the uncertainty over Konate's contract and the longevity of Huijsen as a 20-year-old, it's a no-brainier. The player is just going to get better and better, and playing alongside arguably one of the all time greats in Van Dijk could only help him. £50m may seem a lot at first, but this player could be there for over 10 years. And who knows - he might be sold for more five years down the line to Real Madrid. Get him signed up - a star for the future.
Jan: Prefer Marc Guehi and Tino Livramento.
Liverpool's Huijsen interest - what do you make of potential defensive target?published at 17:50 23 April
Initial reports have indicated Huijsen has a £50m release clause - information that has been confirmed by multiple BBC Sport sources.
It is understood that while regular playing time to ensure his continued development will be a key consideration for Huijsen when he comes to settle on his future, the prospect of Champions League participation will also be a factor.
The Reds' plans may depend on developments with Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract at the end of next season.
The futures of Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah at Anfield could also impact Liverpool's level of interest in Huijsen.
What do you think about a potential move for Huijsen?Is the 20-year-old an exciting target? How do you feel about the £50m release clause? Would he be the right fit for Liverpool or should they be looking elsewhere?
Why impending title win is 'an incredible achievement'published at 13:31 23 April
13:31 23 April
Mike Hughes BBC Radio Merseyside reporter
Image source, PA Media
It is now only a matter of days before Liverpool's coronation as Premier League champions. In fact, it could be only a matter of hours - if Arsenal lose to Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening.
Reaching the summit of what is perceived to be the best league in the world is an honour and nobody at Anfield is getting picky about it.
But Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk have made it clear they expect Arsenal to win, meaning Liverpool can finish the job against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.
Given what a potent footballing force they are in front of their own fans, there is something quite satisfying about that.
The performance at Leicester was not of their inspirational best and they had to work hard. But one of the many positive aspects of this Liverpool team is that, like many of their predecessors, they find a way to win.
Talent and ability are only part of chasing silverware. Endeavour, determination and resilience are just as important. This squad have all three by the bucketload.
The fact it was Trent Alexander-Arnold who scored the winner added an element of drama, given he has been criticised by some for not nailing his colours to the mast, contractually, in the way Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have.
Yet of the three players whose deals were expiring, he was always the most likely to consider moving on and trying another football adventure.
We will find his plans out soon, but what an incredible footballer he is, coming on as a sub and conjuring up a left-foot moment of magic from 12 yards to seal three points. Just one of the many fabulous moments from his amazing Anfield career.
Liverpool's future looks really bright with a summer of change expected and great hopes for a squad that will be upgraded with quality additions in all areas.
But we can wait a while for the transfer window. Very soon the cork will pop on another champagne campaign for the club.
In his first season, and following in the footsteps of a football icon, Slot has delivered in a way few thought even remotely possible.
Gossip: Liverpool join race for £103m Wirtzpublished at 07:28 23 April
07:28 23 April
Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal are eyeing Bayer Leverkusen's 21-year-old Germany attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, who is valued at about £103m. (CaughtOffside, external)
While so much of fans' focus is on what is happening on the pitch, there is an increasing expectation from supporters that clubs should be doing more to reduce their impact off it.
In the second part of our Earth Day chat with Rishi Jain, Liverpool's director of impact highlighted how important the relationship with fans is for the club's The Red Way sustainability programme.
"We want to be able to say to supporters that we're involved in 'x project' and to come and take part," he said. "Come and support it. Lead with us, and then we'll really make a difference together.
"We are tracking ahead in our target for awareness and that is helped through the continued support of LFC Foundation and the work they do through their engagement events."
It is through this work that they have acquired fan support and managed to hit key milestones in the programme.
"It sounds very simple - with supporters putting plastic bottles into the right bins - but we have seen matchday recycling rates increase from 25% in 2021 to nearly 99% now, which is just brilliant," Jain explained.
"That's a really simple thing about asking supporters to change their behaviours. We've been on a journey with them. When we've put the message out, we've talked about the collective achievement. It's not been the club that has done this - it's with the help of our supporters that we've achieved this together.
"It's ultimately allowed us to collect 1,000,000 plastic bottles over a three-year period, which is just a huge number.
"We're all very superstitious, but we know that putting things in the right bin has actually become part of the intrinsic matchday routine and it's a nice thing for us to be able to talk about with them."
Despite the progress made in the four years of The Red Way, Liverpool are determined not to stop.
"Could we do more? Absolutely," Jain added. "It's a big journey for us.
"I'm never going to sit there and just say: 'We've done a great job'. It's always: 'Yes, we've done good work, but this is the next goal'. We have ambitious targets.
"You can't sit there and go into these these rooms [such as COP] and say, 'we feel we're doing really well, but there's more to do' if you're not actually delivering that at home.
"We've got some key focus areas that we're really going to ramp up our efforts for."
'An opportunity to lead' - Liverpool's sustainability ambitionspublished at 12:29 22 April
12:29 22 April
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool have had plenty of success on the field this season, but it is off the pitch where they are also trying to be leaders.
Four years ago, Liverpool introduced their sustainability programme The Red Way. It brings together the club's work in four focus areas - people, planet, communities and strategy.
"The Red Way is Liverpool's commitment to building a better future for our people, our planet and our communities," Liverpool director of impact Rishi Jain told BBC Sport.
"In 2021, we had a key moment when we agreed, as a club, that it was really important for us to bring under one umbrella the multiple programmes that were being delivered. That's how The Red Way was born.
"It allowed us to create a sense of purpose and an almost instant behavioural shift for how we operated as a global club. It just gave us that identity that we really needed.
"We really put ourselves out there, which was new for us. It was a little bit scary, but actually, it's has really helped us since in how we progress."
It highlights the progress made across all areas over the past 12 months, including the reduction of overall carbon emissions by 12.5%, the Anfield pitch now being fully recyclable, the hosting of its first Iftar event during Ramadan and more than 127,000 people receiving support from the LFC Foundation.
Alongside these, Liverpool representatives have attended 24 international sustainability events, including COP28, and received recognition for the work with nine major sustainability awards.
"As a club, we are probably held in a higher regard by our stakeholders and our supporters," Jain said. "You can see that in two ways - either as a burden or as an opportunity.
"We see it as an opportunity to lead, both on and off the pitch. Of course, on the pitch has gone really, really well for us this season, but off the pitch from a Red Way perspective, we can say the same.
"We've had an incredibly successful 12 months or so. When you talk about social and environmental impact - whether it's through our foundation, around diversity, inclusion or surrounded by sustainability - our supporters and stakeholders expect us to do that work.
"That's not the reason why we do it, but it also helps us understand that we can really push on for change and be proactive."
Come back later on Tuesday to read more about Liverpool's sustainability drive
'Alexander-Arnold deserved that moment'published at 09:10 22 April
09:10 22 April
BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club panel discussed Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold's celebration after scoring the winner at Leicester City and that it potentially means.
Image source, Getty Images
