Liverpool beat Tottenham with Salah’s great goal and are minutes away from the 2024/25 Premier League title

This Sunday afternoon, April 27, 2025, is etched in Liverpool’s history. At Anfield, under the deafening chant of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the Reds face Tottenham in a match that could secure their 20th English Championship title, matching rivals Manchester United as the country’s most successful club. With 79 points before the game, Arne Slot’s side needed just a draw to clinch the trophy, but they went further: a stunning first-half comeback, with goals from Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Cody Gakpo, gave Liverpool a 3-1 lead. In the second half, Mohamed Salah, the Premier League’s top scorer, scored a screamer at the 17-minute mark, extending the score to 4-1. The Merseyside party is moments away from realization, with the game still ongoing at 18 minutes into the second half. The fans, packing the stadium, are poised to celebrate their first title with a full crowd since 1990, following the 2019/20 triumph marred by pandemic restrictions.

Liverpool approached this match with a commanding campaign. With only one loss this season and an average of 7.9 shots per game, the Reds have dominated the Premier League from the start. A 12-point gap over second-placed Arsenal was cemented after the Gunners’ draw against Crystal Palace in the previous round. Tottenham, meanwhile, are enduring a lackluster season, sitting 16th with 37 points and just one win in their last seven games. The absence of players like Son Heung-min and Radu Dragusin further weakened the Spurs, who, despite Dominic Solanke’s early goal, couldn’t contain Liverpool’s attacking onslaught.

The atmosphere at Anfield is pure emotion. Since the early hours, thousands of fans gathered around the stadium, painting the streets red. Banners and flags bearing the number “20” already adorn the walls, anticipating the parity with Manchester United in English titles. The match, which kicked off at 12:30 PM Brasília time, is more than a game: it’s the chance for the Reds to erase the memory of the muted 2020 celebration and revel with their passionate supporters.

A first half of comeback and dominance

The game started with a shock for Liverpool fans. At 11 minutes, Dominic Solanke put Tottenham ahead, heading past Alisson from a James Maddison corner. The goal briefly silenced Anfield, but the Reds’ response was swift and devastating. Six minutes later, at 17 minutes, Luis Díaz leveled the score. After a precise pass from Dominik Szoboszlai, the Colombian finished with composure, beating goalkeeper Vicario. The goal, upheld by VAR after an offside check, reignited the crowd.

The turnaround came at 23 minutes, with a moment of pure brilliance from Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine midfielder received the ball at the edge of the box and struck a perfect left-footed shot, leaving Vicario no chance. The stadium erupted, and Liverpool’s confidence soared. Ten minutes later, at 33 minutes, Cody Gakpo extended the lead. Following a corner, the Dutchman controlled the ball in the box, dribbled past two defenders, and fired a cross-shot into the corner. Gakpo, who celebrated by removing his shirt, earned a yellow card, but nothing could dim the moment’s shine. By halftime, Liverpool controlled possession with 61% against Tottenham’s 39% and created more chances, including a Gakpo bicycle kick that narrowly missed.

Key moments of the first half

• 11 minutes: Dominic Solanke opens the scoring for Tottenham with a header from Maddison’s corner, catching Liverpool’s defense off guard.
• 17 minutes: Luis Díaz equalizes for the Reds with a VAR-confirmed goal after Szoboszlai’s pass, rekindling the Anfield crowd.
• 23 minutes: Alexis Mac Allister turns the game with a pinpoint left-footed strike from outside the box, solidifying Liverpool’s midfield control.
• 33 minutes: Cody Gakpo scores the third, dribbling past two defenders and finishing with precision after a corner.
• 47 minutes: Van Dijk blocks a shot from Tel in the box, ensuring Liverpool’s lead heading into the break.

Salah shines in the second half

The second half began with Liverpool maintaining their pressure. At 17 minutes, Mohamed Salah, the season’s standout, left his mark. The Egyptian drove down the right, cut inside, and fired a low shot into Vicario’s bottom left corner. The stunner, his latest in a campaign that sees him lead the Premier League scoring charts, sent Anfield into a frenzy. Salah, who had already created chances in the first half, including a shot deflected by Davies, showed why he’s pivotal to Arne Slot’s system.

Before the goal, Liverpool had already threatened. At 3 minutes, Gakpo squandered a clear chance by passing to Salah instead of shooting. Mac Allister, at 7 minutes, and Gravenberch, at 15, also tested Vicario, who made key saves. Tottenham, however, struggled to respond. A long-range effort from Danso at 14 minutes sailed well wide of Alisson’s goal, highlighting the Spurs’ lack of creativity. Maddison’s halftime introduction, replacing Kulusevski, failed to spark a revival, and Liverpool continue to dominate.

The Reds’ collective performance is impressive. Trent Alexander-Arnold, with his pinpoint passing, and Virgil van Dijk, a rock at the back, have been crucial. Liverpool’s possession remains superior, with patient build-up play exploiting Tottenham’s defensive gaps. With every attack, the fans respond with chants, creating an atmosphere that seems to fuel the players.

Liverpool’s historic campaign

The 2024/25 season is one of Liverpool’s most dominant in recent Premier League history. With 79 points from 33 games before facing Tottenham, the Reds built a comfortable lead at the top. The team lost just once in the competition, averaging 6.5 corners per game and receiving few bookings (1.8 per match). Mohamed Salah, with his goals and assists, is the individual standout, but Arne Slot’s collective approach is the true differentiator.

Slot, in his debut English season, has exceeded expectations. Replacing Jürgen Klopp, a club icon, the Dutchman introduced a balanced style with quick transitions and defensive solidity. The 6-3 thrashing of Tottenham in December, away from home, already showcased the Reds’ superiority against the Spurs. In that game, Salah scored and assisted, while Luis Díaz and Szoboszlai also starred. Liverpool’s consistency, with convincing wins over Manchester United (3-0) and Manchester City (2-0), cemented their status as title favorites.

Arsenal, the main challengers, couldn’t keep pace. Their 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in the last round left them with 67 points, making Liverpool’s triumph near-inevitable. A 13-goal difference in goal differential (43 vs. Arsenal’s 30) further underscores the Reds’ dominance. This campaign places Liverpool alongside historic teams like Manchester United’s 1999/2000 and Arsenal’s 2003/04, who clinched the Premier League with four games to spare.

Anfield: the stage for celebration

Anfield is more than a stadium; it’s Liverpool’s heartbeat. With a capacity of around 54,000, the venue has been a cauldron this season. The fans, renowned for their passion, have turned every home game into a spectacle. This Sunday, the anticipation is even greater. For the first time in 35 years, supporters will witness their team lift the English Championship trophy in their presence. In 2020, pandemic restrictions forced a silent celebration, with Jordan Henderson raising the trophy in an empty stadium. Now, Virgil van Dijk, the team’s captain, will lead the festivities.

The party extends beyond the stadium. Since early morning, Liverpool’s streets have been flooded with fans. Bars and pubs in the city center are packed, with celebrations expected to last into the night. The city council is already coordinating with the club for a victory parade, planned for May 26, a day after the season’s final game against Crystal Palace. The parade will follow the same route as the 2019 (Champions League) and 2022 (FA Cup and League Cup) celebrations, passing iconic landmarks like Queens Drive and The Strand. Up to 750,000 people are expected to attend, surpassing the 500,000 from the 2022 parade.

Key moments up to 18 minutes of the second half

• Solanke’s goal (11’ 1H): Tottenham shock with a Solanke header from Maddison’s corner.
• Díaz’s goal (17’ 1H): The Colombian levels the score after Szoboszlai’s pass, confirmed by VAR.
• Mac Allister’s goal (23’ 1H): The Argentine turns the game with a precise shot from outside the box.
• Gakpo’s goal (33’ 1H): The Dutchman extends the lead with a cross-shot after a corner.
• Salah’s goal (17’ 2H): The Egyptian scores a stunner, cutting inside and firing low.

The title’s impact for Liverpool

The 20th English title carries historic weight. For decades, Liverpool were England’s most successful club, but Manchester United’s dominance in the Premier League era shifted the narrative. Under Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils amassed 13 titles between 1992 and 2013, overtaking the Reds. This season’s triumph not only levels the trophy count but also marks Liverpool’s second Premier League title, reinforcing their resurgence sparked by Jürgen Klopp.

For Arne Slot, the title is a testament to his ability. Taking over from Klopp, the Dutch coach won over fans with stellar results and engaging football. His composure in critical moments, as noted in pre-match interviews, reflects the confidence he instilled in the squad. Players like Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold, key to the 2020 title, remain vital, while youngsters like Gakpo and Szoboszlai represent the club’s future.

The economic impact is also significant. The Premier League title brings substantial prize money, boosting the club’s global visibility. Sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise are expected to surge, especially with the large-scale celebration. The city of Liverpool, which lives and breathes football, will also benefit, with tourism boosted by the festivities.

Liverpool’s squad strength

Liverpool’s success this season stems from a balanced squad. Mohamed Salah, with his goal-scoring and playmaking, is the standout, but the team boasts other decisive names. Luis Díaz, with his speed and dribbling, has been a constant threat on the left. Alexis Mac Allister, with his vision, has elevated the midfield, while Cody Gakpo has grown into a lethal finisher. At the back, Virgil van Dijk remains a cornerstone with his anticipation and leadership.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite speculation about his future, continues to rank among the world’s best right-backs. His performance, like the precise pass to Gakpo in the first half, underscores his value. Alisson, with crucial saves like the one to deny Solanke in the first half, provides goalkeeping assurance. The squad’s depth, with players like Szoboszlai and Gravenberch, allows Slot to make tactical tweaks without losing quality.

Physical preparation also stands out. With few injuries this season, Liverpool maintained consistency. Joe Gomez, sidelined, is the only notable absence against Tottenham. Slot’s management, prioritizing rotation in competitions like the Europa League, has been key to avoiding fatigue.

What to expect in the final minutes

With the game ongoing at 18 minutes into the second half, Liverpool hold firm control. The 4-1 lead provides comfort, but the Reds show no signs of slowing down. Salah, Díaz, and Gakpo continue to chase goals, while Tottenham, disorganized, rely on isolated efforts. The fans, aware the title is near, sing relentlessly, creating an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors.

The officiating, led by Tom Bramall, has been understated, with minimal controversies. The VAR, which upheld Díaz’s first-half goal, ensured accuracy. Tottenham, with Maddison’s introduction, aim to reorganize their midfield, but the absence of players like Son Heung-min limits their options. The expectation is that Liverpool will manage their lead until the final whistle, sealing the title in front of their fans.

The celebration, however, won’t be complete today. Per Premier League tradition, the trophy will be presented only at the final home game against Crystal Palace on May 25. Until then, the Reds plan to maintain their momentum, with matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Brighton ahead. The victory parade, set for May 26, promises to be one of the club’s grandest events, drawing hundreds of thousands to Liverpool’s streets.

A milestone for the city and club

Liverpool, as a city, lives football uniquely. The Premier League title is not just a sporting achievement but a moment of unity for the community. The rivalry with Everton, struggling this season, gains a new chapter, with the Reds reasserting their dominance. Jürgen Klopp’s presence, now in an executive role at Red Bull, at the victory parade will add a special touch, linking the glorious past to the victorious present.

The club, with six Champions League titles and numerous domestic trophies, reinforces its status as a global football giant. The 2024/25 season, with the title all but secured, places Liverpool at a pinnacle of excellence, with a robust project for the years ahead. Virgil van Dijk’s recent contract renewal signals the club’s intent to maintain its core.

The Anfield party, which began before kickoff, is just the start. Every goal, chant, and moment in this match against Tottenham will be etched in fans’ memories. Liverpool, with its history of resilience and passion, is moments away from writing another glorious chapter.