Sutton's predictions: Chelsea v Liverpoolpublished at 11:14 4 May
11:14 4 May
I would usually be asking which Chelsea side will turn up, but that applies to Liverpool too this week.
Arne Slot's side could have been out all week celebrating their title win and we don't know how that will affect them.
You often play at your best when you have been on the lash in a scenario like theirs. For example, some of my best games for Celtic came after nights out where we had won something and were allowed to have a couple of beers, but I don't know what to expect here.
Chelsea have nicked a couple of results recently, to stay in the race for the top five, but their performances have not been too convincing and their fans still don't seem to have taken to Enzo Maresca's playing style.
This is not the test for them that it would be if Liverpool were trying to close out the title but I don't think Slot is the type to let anyone take their foot off the gas. He will put out a strong team and even if they play with more freedom, I still think Liverpool will leave with the points.
Chelsea are winless in their past 10 meetings with Liverpool in all competitions (drawn seven, lost three). Only once before have they gone longer without a win over the Reds (11 from 1985 to 1990).
Mohamed Salah, 32, has 28 Premier League goals for Liverpool this season and needs one more goal to equal the record for goals by a player aged 30 or older in a campaign, held by Didier Drogba for Chelsea in the 2009-10 season (29).
A 'ghost goal' and a 'mythical lady'published at 08:11 3 May
08:11 3 May
Luke Reddy BBC Sport senior journalist
Image source, Getty Images
"We don't know whether it was a goal or not. I'm sure people will talk about it - but we're going to the final. We're going to Istanbul."
Those were the words of captain Steven Gerrard 20 years ago today after Luis Garcia's 'ghost goal' carried Liverpool through the Champions League semi-final, beating Premier League winners Chelsea by a single goal over two legs.
Gerrard was right, people did talk. In the weeks that followed, a myth swept the Merseyside city and it went something like this...
A former Liverpool secretary - an elderly lady now retired - was said to have been sitting directly in line with the goalline. Asked about the moment that carried a generation of Liverpool fans to their first European Cup final, she is said to have answered with a resounding 'yes, it did cross the line'.
Case closed, then. If anyone is going to end doubt, surely it is a gran-like figure, one you would trust with your savings, house keys and matchday ticket?
Or maybe it is just a football myth, one swept from the dust of one of the greatest nights in Anfield history.
It is somehow romantic that a night so vivid in colour and packed with narrative contains such a plot twist.
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Liverpool fans found novel ways to watch training in the lead-up to the semi-final
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho spoke pre-game about how his league winners would stand up to the swirl of an Anfield semi-final.
But this semi-final was different.
A generation of supporters who knew what European Cup finals looked like only through VHS video replays could sniff the chance to live one out in its true form.
By lunchtime, Liverpool city centre cut the look of a place where a day's work had been finished early, with bars filling and fans preparing for the night to come.
As 6pm rolled in, flags, banners, songs and expectation filled the streets around Anfield. By shortly before 8pm, Anfield was as alive as it has ever been. It was ferocious.
By 8.04pm, the ferocity paid its first - and most telling - dividend, a 'ghost goal' to send Liverpool to an Istanbul final which they should have lost in every lifetime bar the one we live in.
There was intimidation - each and every time a Chelsea player collected a ball for a throw-in, he did so faced with a cluster of charged home fans doing everything bar sitting on their hands.
There was hope - why should the images of European Cup success live only in the heads of parents and grandparents when just one win sat between a modern-day re-run?
And there was passion - song after song, roar after roar, every 50-50 duel on the pitch treated like a cup final of its own by those in the stands.
There can be little wonder it was decided the ball had crossed the line.
For decades, players - in both red and opposing colours - have talked about the ball being 'sucked' towards goal at The Kop end. It was on this night in telling fashion, prompting an extraordinary outburst of celebration initially, which would then give way to over 90 minutes of nerves and anxiety.
There were tears. Mourinho stood with his arms around his distraught players after the final whistle, while Anfield took on the look of a red-and-white hurricane. Those wearing blue had lost and were lost within it all. A tidal wave of home emotion and a ghost all in one night - it is indeed a lot to deal with.
Garcia's prod, a three-goal fightback in the final and a shootout win. It is like it was all meant to be.
Had VAR existed, such history may never have been written.
But who needs VAR when a mythical lady could see what no-one else could anyway?
'Anfield will likely never again be so noisy'published at 08:07 3 May
08:07 3 May
Jordan Chamberlain Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Twenty years since the ghost goal? Twenty years since referee Lubos Michel did Chelsea a massive favour, more like.
If he hadn't given the goal to Luis Garcia, and, in fairness, I have no idea if it crossed the line or not, then he'd have had to send off Petr Cech and award Liverpool a penalty, given the goalkeeper was also the last man and didn't play the ball.
So after five minutes, Liverpool would have got a penalty which Steven Gerrard would surely have scored against Carlo Cudicini [who'd have had to come on for Cech] - and Chelsea would have been down to 10 men for the rest of the game.
In 2005, there was no double jeopardy rule, so a penalty and a red card would have both been awarded.
If anything, Lubos Michel enhanced Chelsea's chances of winning by awarding that goal, although Jose Mourinho and their supporters conveniently forget this. You can't talk about whether it crossed the line or not without discussing the imminent red card and penalty had it not been given.
The atmosphere at Anfield that night was the best the ground has experienced in my entire lifetime. Fervent, manic, brilliant. It was back when fans still wore red unashamedly and touts hadn't sold on many tickets to high-bidding first-time supporters. Anfield will likely never again be so noisy given the change in modern football and the increased hospitality and ticket pricing. This is sad.
The biggest moment of the game, bar the goal, was Eidur Gudjohnsen's miss with the final kick. Somehow, the excellent finisher skewed wide when hitting the target was easier and Liverpool were on the way to Istanbul.
Many consider that Liverpool side a one-man team, but besides Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia formed one of the best central defensive partnerships in Europe at the time. This bedrock was what got Liverpool to the final, but I still don't know how we beat AC Milan from 3-0 down.
'I think the Kop shouted the ball in' - Huth on Garcia 'ghost goal'published at 08:06 3 May
08:06 3 May
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool's 'ghost goal' against Chelsea in the Champions League 20 years ago "sparked the rivalry between the two clubs", says former Blues defender Robert Huth.
It was a memorable moment - for better or for worse - for both sets of fans and two-decades on it is still argued if Luis Garcia's goal, that sent the Reds through to the final at Chelsea's expense, crossed the line.
It proved to be a key moment on the way to Liverpool's comeback win over AC Milan in Istanbul.
Part of the squad for that game, Huth explained to BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club how Blues boss Jose Mourinho reacted to that moment, stating: "He was fuming, off course he would be.
"When the goal went in, nobody really knew what was going on because it wasn't obvious to anyone. It didn't even look that close particularly.
"The lads were deflated, he was fuming, but what can you do? The game is done."
Mourinho created a number of rivalries during his time at Chelsea, but the one between him and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez came to be particularly fierce.
Asked whether it was that game that kick-started it, Huth said: "They both gave as good as they got. They both had a lot to say for each other. But, that game definitely sparked the rivalry between the two clubs.
"This time Liverpool got the better of us, but then we beat them in the next quarter-final a year or two later.
"It is water under the bridge now but it was frustrating. I think The Kop shouted the ball in rather than the ball actually crossing the line."
'I felt privileged to be there' - BBC man on Anfield's title daypublished at 18:36 2 May
18:36 2 May
Ian Dennis Commentator/Senior Football Reporter at BBC Radio 5 Live
Image source, Getty Images
I have to say, Anfield was very, very special.
The last time they won the title in front of supporters was 12,783 days ago.
The atmosphere was very, very special. Being at Anfield was probably up there with other memorable games, such as Dortmund in 2016 and Barcelona in 2019.
I felt privileged to be there with all of the supporters.
I deliberately didn't talk over You'll Never Walk Alone before the game. I said to the engineer: "We're not going to talk here - we'll let the atmosphere speak for itself."
There are certain occasions when the magnitude of the game speaks for itself and you make that decision.
Slot on rotation plans and Liverpool 'attraction' for playerspublished at 17:29 2 May
17:29 2 May
Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Reuters
Liverpool's title win has come with four games to spare and, along with the club's celebrations, Reds boss Arne Slot believes it will give him plenty of benefits on the playing front, and also when it comes to transfers.
Speaking to the media before Sunday's game at Chelsea, Slot said he plans to rotate his squad and give chances to some fringe players, with Arsenal,Brighton and Crystal Palace to come after the trip to Stamford Bridge.
"This is a moment to see where they are, also looking towards next season maybe a bit already," said the Dutchman. "But, definitely also because they deserve to play this season."
Attacking midfielder Harvey Elliott and winger Federico Chiesa are two of the players who will be hoping to more playing time.
Slot added: "I don't think these players have to prove the quality players they are, but I think they want to prove for themselves that they are good enough to play for us.
"I already know that they are and, probably, they themselves know this as well. I don't think they have a point to prove, but I do think they would like to play."
Slot did not provide any update on the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who can leave on a free when his contract runs out in the summer, but the Reds boss did speak about how the club's title win and celebrations will help on the transfer front.
"The main advantage of winning the league is that, until now if I spoke to new players that we wanted to bring in, I always told them that our fans are really special, that it's special to play at this club," he said.
"That was maybe not even necessary to tell them in the past but, after Sunday, I don't think I ever have to tell anyone again how special our fans are because that was unbelievable.
"Winning the league and having these fans is a big attraction to every player we want to bring in. It is definitely helpful."
Could Reds strike a Kerkez-Robertson balance?published at 16:50 2 May
16:50 2 May
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool fan and podcaster Lukleiva believes reported target Milos Kerkez will not settle for limited game time if he was to join Liverpool.
The Reds have been linked with a move for the Bournemouth left back, who has featured in all 34 Premier League games for the Cherries so far this season.
Liverpool currently have Andy Robertson at left-back, who has played in 31 of the 34 league games.
Speaking on the potential situation, Lukleiva told BBC Radio Merseyside: "Kerkez wouldn't come in and only play half the games, so that means Liverpool have to look at a different target if that's the plan. That could be Jorrel Hato from Ajax - he was at a few of the games recently.
"But you definitely want Kerkez. He's one of the breakout stars of the Premier League season. He's really young, he's played under Arne Slot at AZ Alkmaar, but he won't share minutes with Andy Robertson.
"Kerkez would start 80% of games and Robertson would play Carabao Cup and the likes of Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League.
"Whether that is something Robertson is willing to side with or whether he'd then want to move on, that's something they need to talk about."
Slot on title celebrations, Klopp's message and rotating playerspublished at 09:57 2 May
09:57 2 May
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Slot on the celebrations after being crowned Premier League champions
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea (kick-off 16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Slot described the title celebrations last Sunday as "amazing" and added: "Maybe, for all of the fans it was the best day of their lives and it was the same for me."
He said "seeing how much it meant to the players and the fans was really special to be part of" and that he has been inundated with congratulations messages.
He confirmed Jurgen Klopp was one of those, with the former Reds boss saying to Slot: "Now you know how special of a club it is. You are part of history."
On whether he now feels his connection with the fans is stronger: "If that was still possible? From the first day I got here, I've felt they've supported me and the team. If you win something together it always goes up a notch. It is a game of football but if you win a trophy together it lifts it to a new dimension."
After winning the title with four games to spare, he said he will "mix up" the starting line-ups for the remaining fixtures and "there will be a few players coming in for rotation".
On his reasoning for this: "Some of them have deserved to play earlier this season because they have trained so well and are good enough to play for this club. It is a moment to see where they are and perhaps [I'm] looking forward to next season already."
Right-back Conor Bradley will train today and Slot expects him to be involved in the squad on Sunday.
On opponents Chelsea: "I am surprised by the gap we have with them at the moment because back then [earlier in season] they were the better team on the pitch. But we found a way to win. We had to suffer more in that game than in any other."
He said winning the title and the "incredible" fan celebrations will be a "big attraction to every player that we want to bring in" during the summer transfer window.
On Harvey Elliott's comments that he wants to fight for his place at the club: "It's nice that the players here want to stay. That is a big compliment. He is one player who hasn't had as much playing time as he maybe deserves. He was also injured. We like, and I like, him more now than I did when he first came back form his injury. He is back to his old level again."
Slot back to work: What questions are there now?published at 07:56 2 May
07:56 2 May
Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
It was party time at Liverpool after they secured this season's league title with a win against Tottenham at Anfield last Sunday.
The players and staff revelled in equalling the title tally of arch rivals Manchester United on 20 before putting the celebrations on hold to return to training and prepare for a return to action at Chelsea on Sunday.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be chatting to the media at 09:00 BST today so we'll probably find out about how he's been enjoying winning the Premier League in his first season in charge.
It'll be interesting to hear from the Dutchman and find out what he wants to get from his side's final four games of the season.
Will some of the fringe players, Federico Chiesa in particular, get more of a run out to prove their worth?
Chiesa was Liverpool's only signing for this season but has hardly been used by Slot and it would be interesting to see what he can do if given more game time.
Also, more focus will now shift to the future of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is out of contract in the summer, so we'll find out what Slot has to say about that as well.
'He backs his knowledge of the game' - Walkerpublished at 09:20 1 May
09:20 1 May
Image source, Getty Images
Former Manchester City and Tottenham defender Kyle Walker believes Virgil van Dijk's ability to defend without making tackles is rare in the modern game.
Discussing Van Dijk on The Kyle Walker podcast, the famous Paolo Maldini line sprang to mind: "If you have to make a tackle, then you've already made a mistake."
Walker said: "I think that's a fair quote. You can understand that statement that he's made and I think, who am I to question Maldini's footballing brain? Because of what he did in football, he is probably one of the greats.
"I understand that he's probably saying that you're probably not in the correct position. If you're making a tackle, you're probably out of position slightly for you to be lunging in or sliding in. I definitely can understand his quote."
When asked if there are many modern defenders that have that ability, Walker immediately pointed to Van Dijk.
"Very rarely do you see him tackle," Walker said. "He backs his speed, he backs his strength and he backs his knowledge of the game. You don't see him flying into challenges. He slows people down, waits for cover to come in, and it's good defending.
"Defending is not just about tackling and smashing people. Sometimes, you have to use your head and I think, especially in the modern day, you hit your peak as a defender at 30 or 31. You're still learning your trade up until then."
'If you want stability, go to Liverpool' - Houghtonpublished at 08:27 1 May
08:27 1 May
Media caption,
The Monday Night Club panel have been discussing whether Liverpool will be the most attractive Premier League destination this summer, after Arne Slot came in and scooped up a Premier League title in his first season at Anfield.
Former England captain Steph Houghton says the club will need to think about their current "culture" before splashing the cash.
"As a footballer you want security and stability - and at this moment in time, out of the top five or top six clubs, Liverpool provide that," she said.
"But next year will be a tough season for Liverpool because once you're at the top, it is so much harder to stay there than trying to climb your way up there.
"At Chelsea, it has been a bit of a car crash at times, when they have been making decisions and buying all of these players, but buying loads of players doesn't necessarily bring success.
"It is obvious that Arne Slot is going to go and buy players, but then it is about how he moulds that culture again."
Gossip: Elliot keen to stay and fight for first-team spotpublished at 07:12 1 May
07:12 1 May
English attacking midfielder Harvey Elliott, 22, has struggled for first-team football at Liverpool this season but wants to stay and fight for his place at the club. (Liverpool Echo, external)
'Important days still lie ahead for Liverpool' published at 16:30 30 April
16:30 30 April
Ian Kennedy BBC Radio Merseyside reporter
Image source, Getty Images
It has all been said about Liverpool's title win. The plaudits heading the way of Arne Slot and his players are thoroughly deserved. But important days still lie ahead, starting at Chelsea on Sunday.
Every team Liverpool play between now and the end of the season will want to prove themselves against the champions. Mind you, that is something the Reds deal with every week, so no change there.
Then it will be a case of summer recruitment plans.
The future of Trent Alexander-Arnold is still to be sorted out, but where do Liverpool need to strengthen? How many players will they look to bring in, and who might leave?
These are the questions Slot and his backroom team will have been pondering and it will be a big summer either way as the club will want to build on this success and make it a regular occurrence. Building from a position of strength, as they say.
But they will not buy for buying's sake. This squad won the title comfortably let's not forget. There are great players on the bench every week, so maybe we can expect only minimal changes.
Anyway, that's for another day. One game at a time - and four still to play!
'Got and get him!' Do Reds need midfield reinforcements? published at 12:49 30 April
12:49 30 April
Image source, Getty Images
We asked if you think Liverpool need to sign any midfielders this summer to support the main core already in the squad.
Here are some of your comments:
Ken: The most important Liverpool player in shadow is Mac Allister. His mileage, passing, pressing and scoring is more than any other player in attacking midfield or attack did - period. Liverpool desperately need somebody like Kevin de Bruyne. Go and get him.
LFCdenmark: I think they should buy Ritsu Doan from Freiburg. Excellent attacking midfielder - and for sure he'll be cheaper than Florian Wirtz.
Dave: I honestly believe Adam Wharton would be a great fit for Liverpool. A very talented footballer, naturally fit and strong.
John: Why sign midfielders when there's enough in the squad?
Jay: I still think we need a genuine, natural number six. Gravenberch has been amazing but he was dropping off the past six or seven games, as were a few others - and we didn't have quite have enough in the tank against PSG, when Vitinha ran the show. The other lads we have, including Jones, are far better going forwards when we are in possession than sitting or chasing all game.
'Some things are worth waiting for'published at 11:22 30 April
11:22 30 April
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
It was a red-letter day at Anfield and a red everything else for that matter. I may well have been an uninvited guest to this particular party, but it is worth having an outsider's eyes on these occasions. So even if I favour the blue side of the city, I was still massively impressed by the team, the day and the performance - and then the spectacle that ensued.
If you win a title, you hope everything goes well on the day to make it more special. So the sun shone, the team played superbly, five goals were dispatched, and there was time to soak up the 'moment' for a good half hour after Mo Salah scored the fourth.
The fans could then soak up the glory for another hour, serenading the players post-match, as they all wallowed in a celebration they had waited 35 years for inside that stadium.
Talking of moments, even though Alexis Mac Allister's rocket sending his team 2-1 ahead was memorable, it was eclipsed when Arne Slot took to the microphone in the centre circle and sang the name of his predecessor Jurgen Klopp, in an echo of Klopp's selfless paean to him before he arrived.
It was as classy and selfless a moment as I have witnessed by any football manager.
The passing of control from one coach to another is often a small-minded affair, the new one desperate to grab any glory he can from the former.
This usually means dismantling much of the previous guy's good work, however successful he was.
Not here, both men are above that and this is why the dynasty has not only a chance of surviving, but is likely to blossom.
'These players have mental steel and want to influence every game'published at 08:52 30 April
08:52 30 April
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool fan and podcaster Peter Bolster, speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside on the importance of Mohamed Salah:
"He's a wonderful footballer. This season he has been incredible. He has been different. He was a playmaker and that is one of the differences Arne Slot has brought in.
"He loves being great. He loved it under Jurgen Klopp but, for him, it doesn't matter who the manager is. A lot of managers get the credit but Salah doesn't let that happen. He says 'I'm Mo Salah and I'm great no matter who is in charge'.
On Virgil van Dijk, Bolster added: "People were wondering if he would ever be the same after his injury but he's shown how incredible he is.
"Slot has come into a dressing room full of winners. These players have mental steel and they want to influence each and every game. Virgil doesn't want to come off, he doesn't want to be rested - he's not that kind of guy."
Gossip: Reds keen on Juve's Cambiasopublished at 08:11 30 April
08:11 30 April
Liverpool and Manchester City are interested in signing 25-year-old Italy right-back Andrea Cambiaso, who appears set to leave Juventus this summer. (Calciomercato), external
Meanwhile, the Reds want Bournemouth defensive duo Dean Huijsen, 20, and Milos Kerkez, 21, plus Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, 22, to bolster their squad and help defend their Premier League title. (Mail), external
Irish Cup finalists hold fond memories for Bradleypublished at 07:40 30 April
07:40 30 April
Jonathan Bradley BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Conor Bradley played youth football in Dungannon before moving to Liverpool
After winning his maiden Premier League title last weekend, Liverpool's Conor Bradley hopes his former club Dungannon Swifts can secure a memorable first of their own on Saturday.
The Stangmore Park outfit have never won the Irish Cup and will meet Cliftonville in the showpiece decider at Windsor Park on Saturday afternoon (14.30 BST).
The 21-year-old played age-group football for Dungannon United Youth and latterly Dungannon Swifts, and will be supporting Rodney McAree's side from afar this weekend.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Bradley, who missed Liverpool clinching the title against Tottenham on Sunday through injury, told BBC Sport NI.
"I think they've done really well this year, obviously getting to the final."
Bradley had already caught the attention of Liverpool when playing with Dungannon, limiting his appearances for the club. Still, however, he enjoyed the experience.
"It was a good time when I was there," he added.
"I was there for 18 months or two years and I've really fond memories, I met some really good people when I was there.
"I loved my time at Dungannon. Hopefully they can get the job done in the final and bring a trophy back to Dungannon."
As they prepare for what could be the biggest day in the club's history, the Swifts' focus on youth is again in the spotlight.
Joe McAree, a former manager at Stangmore Park and father of current boss Rodney McAree, can still remember the first time he saw Bradley in action for his hometown club St Patrick's.
"I went to see him one night in Omagh and he was playing in a final two years up for St Patrick's," he recalled.
"It was obvious he was a great, talented player.
"I'd been told about him three years before, but there was no way I was going to be asking an eight-year-old to run up the road from Castlederg to Dungannon to play football."
'I still believe he's a Steven Gerrard'
Making his pitch to Bradley's parents after that game, the youngster did not immediately choose Dungannon.
"Conor wasn't sure, it was a long distance and he was closer to Maiden City," Joe McAree said.
"A couple of days later, the mum rang to say 'Conor feels he's better going to Maiden City but thank you very much' and everything else.
"To be honest, I could have cried on the phone, I very nearly did."
Within six months, Bradley had come to Dungannon and his successes at Liverpool have come as no surprise to those still at the club.
Joe McAree, however, believes there could be even more to come.
"I still believe he's a Steven Gerrard," he added.
"The first manager brave enough to put him into a Steven Gerrard role rather than right wing-back or right-back will have an even better player."
'There's only one champion' - Salahpublished at 20:26 29 April
20:26 29 April
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah on social media: "This is what we wanted to deliver to our fans more than anything. This is a club that should always compete for everything and be right at the top. No excuses. All teams win games but in the end there's only one champion. That's what history remembers and this applies to next season as well."