Liverpool fans could not believe that their manager’s real name is not really “Arne Slot”.

Slot, 46, is likely to become a Premier League-winning manager when his Liverpool side face Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday, with the Reds needing just a point to be crowned champions.

As a result, he will be one of the most popular men on Merseyside. And when such achievements occur, several pets and even some children may likely be named “Arne” as a nod to the Dutchman.

But that isn’t actually his name, which fans found out to their surprise.

One fan said: “Mad when you find out the manager’s name isn’t actually Arne.”

Another added: “Just googled this. Not sure I’ll ever recover.”

A third commented: “This is how myths and legends die. Delete and we’ll pretend it never happened.”

While a fourth explained: “Like finding out Pepe Reina’s name was Jose the whole time.”

So what is the Liverpool head coach’s real name?

Well, according to Wikipedia the Dutchman’s name is “Arend Martijn Slot”.

And of course, his name will not be the talking point if Liverpool secure their 20th English top-flight title on Sunday.

Despite the excitement in the city in the days ahead, Slot is not one to get over excited and revealed he has allowed two days off for his players to be “fully focused” ahead of the clash against Spurs.

“I have to wait and see because I haven’t experienced it here yet but what I know from my time with Feyenoord is that of course there is a lot of noise and everybody is very excited, but at our training ground we are just focused on the training sessions we do and trying to prepare in the best possible way for Tottenham, which is a team where all the injuries are coming back and are a team that deserves our full attention,” said Slot in his post-match press conference after the Reds’ 1-0 win against Leicester last Sunday.

“The boys also have one or two days off during this week because we’ve planned that already a long time ago and hopefully they will enjoy some time with their loved ones and be fully focused when we are back together to work towards Tottenham.”

“We Won’t Be Attending the Game…” – Isaac Kearney’s Mum Shares a Heartfelt Message That Will Move Every Liverpool Fan

As Liverpool edges closer to Premier League glory, emotions are running high among fans—but for one young supporter and his family, this weekend holds even deeper meaning.

Isaac Kearney, a passionate young Liverpool fan known by many in the Anfield community, won’t be watching Sunday’s massive clash against Tottenham Hotspur from the stands. His mum shared a touching update today that has stirred hearts across the fan base:

 “We won’t be attending the game, but we will be heading down to Anfield early to soak the atmosphere and watch it down there What a day it will be.”

It’s a simple statement, but behind those words lies a story of love, resilience, and the unshakable spirit of Liverpool fans.

This Sunday, April 27th, Liverpool hosts Tottenham at Anfield, with kickoff at 4:30 PM BST. The Reds need just one point to officially seal the Premier League title—a moment fans have dreamed of all season. For Isaac and his family, being close to the club, even outside the stadium, is more than enough.

They won’t be in the seats, but they’ll be where it matters most: in the heart of Anfield’s passion. Soaking in the cheers, the songs, the unity. Feeling the energy of a club that’s more than just football—it’s family.

Isaac’s story reminds us all that football is about more than goals and trophies. It’s about moments. It’s about connection. It’s about showing up—even when life throws you curveballs—and standing tall in the crowd.

As the anthem rings out and the game begins, thousands will be watching… and somewhere outside those gates, one boy’s dreams will still shine brightly. To Isaac, there’s no giving up.

Fans can’t believe what Crystal Palace posted moments after Arsenal draw to leave Liverpool on brink of the title

Fans were left stunned by what Crystal Palace posted to X in the moments after their 2-2 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday.

Heading into the match, both teams’ attentions were arguably on other competitions as Palace will take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday, while Arsenal have a mouth-watering Champions League semi-final with PSG to look forward to next Tuesday.

However, Wednesday’s clash proved to be an entertaining affair, especially for Liverpool fans who watched on in anticipation as a Palace win would’ve seen them crowned as Premier League champions.

The Gunners took the lead through Jakub Kiwior just three minutes in, but Oliver Glasner’s side fought back and equalised thanks to an Eberechi Eze volley on 27 minutes.

Three minutes before half time, Leandro Trossard put the home side ahead, but once again the Eagles equalised, this time via Jean-Phillipe Mateta, who netted a spectacular long-range strike with seven minutes left.

And despite the action on the pitch, it was what Palace posted to their social media channels that really got fans talking.

At 10:09 pm (BST), the Croydon club posted: “You’re welcome Liverpool…” to social media, seemingly about the fact Arne Slot’s side can now win the league in front of their supporters if they defeat Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday.

And fans were quick to give their thoughts on social media.

One said: “I forgive you for 2014.

“Good luck on Saturday lads!”

Another added: “I had to do a double take on the profile I deadass thought this was a troll account.”

A third explained: “Absolute legends. What a performance. Deserved to win. Forgive 1990 FA Cup semi, now.”

While a fourth commented: “If you’d made me guess which team made a tweet like this we’d all guess Palace. Steve Parish probably wrote it himself.

“Meant to be a Premier League club and they go on like they’re in League Two.”

Speaking after the match, Palace head coach Glasner expressed his delight with side’s performance.

“I’m really proud of the players and how they performed today,” Glasner told Palace TV.

“Also, being 1-0 down – and in the last two away games we conceded 10 goals – and then playing here at Emirates against an Arsenal side who are in great shape, it’s a tricky situation.

“But the reaction was great – it was unbelievable to be honest. We didn’t lose anything of our courage, we didn’t lose anything of our belief, and then we played forward. I think it was a really well-deserved draw, coming back twice.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Liverpool is in fresh doubt.

Liverpool supporters are resigned to losing their right-back, who has been on the books at his boyhood club for more than 20 years, when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The Reds are on the cusp of their second title win of the Premier League era and have announced chunky new deals for both Mo Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk this month.

Alexander-Arnold is expected to leave in the summer, having won everything there is to win with Liverpool and been tempted away by the challenge of playing for Real Madrid.

But it’s been reported that the England star’s switch to the Spanish capital is not as inevitable as Liverpool winning the title.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the expected sacking of Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti changes the picture.

Ancelotti was instrumental in attracting Alexander-Arnold to the Bernabeu, according to Brown, and Football Insider reports that “the 26-year-old is believed to be asking questions and having second thoughts about the move” as a result.

“The right-back is also under pressure from fans and the club to stay at Anfield.”

With no deal agreed, Alexander-Arnold has the luxury of choice. Deciding to join Real Madrid on the basis of the head coach alone comes with obvious risk and Ancelotti is unlikely to have been the only factor in the player’s thinking.

A reunion with Jurgen Klopp is just one of the possible outcomes.

“I think there’s a chance he stays at Liverpool,” said Brown.

“It’s gone on throughout the season, there’s been so much talk, but it’s not signed yet.

“It looks to me like Madrid are entering a rebuilding phase, and that will cause uncertainty for Trent Alexander-Arnold because he might not fit under a new manager.”

Alexander-Arnold has won the Premier League and Champions League in a Liverpool shirt but is thought to be ready to call time on his time in England’s top division and prove himself at one of very few clubs that can further test his abilities.

He scored the goal that put Liverpool within one win of the title in Sunday’s win at Leicester City, revealing nothing and everything in his post-match interview on the pitch.

Liverpool vs Tottenham team news ahead of the Premier League fixture at Anfield.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s delightful chip for Crystal Palace over Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya prompted his club to tweet at Liverpool ahead of the Reds Premier League title-clinching showdown.

Crystal Palace took another dig at its North London rival Arsenal following the side’s dramatic 2-2 draw at the Emirates on Wednesday.

A late Jean-Philippe Mateta equalizer deemed “world class” by Jamie Carragher — the Frenchman’s 14th in the Premier League this campaign — wasn’t enough for the Reds to win the title, as Arne Slot and company needed an Eagles victory to clinch the side’s 20th domestic championship.

Now, Liverpool can win the league with a draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday at Anfield. Crystal Palace sent a three-word message on social media for its troubles: “You’re welcome Liverpool,” the club’s account tweeted.

The Reds didn’t clinch the 2019/20 league title at Anfield after Christian Pulisic scored a late winner at Stamford Bridge to beat then title-chasing Manchester City.

Even if Liverpool could have sealed the title at home, there would have been no fans in attendance to celebrate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is this what the Reds wanted? It’s unclear; after all, the most important thing is clinching the title. At least the Palace result makes the chance of a Liverpool title win even more certain.

“It was not our goal to decide the title, it was our goal to win the game,” Palace coach Oliver Glasner said. “I think a draw is a very good result. More important is the performance. We are back on track. That’s what we need.”

You’re welcome Liverpool…#CPFC

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 23, 2025

Mateta took the ball off Arsenal defender William Saliba in the 83rd minute before deftly looking up at the position of goalkeeper David Raya.

The Frenchman, while looking at the ball, impressively dinked the ball over the Spanish star between the sticks with a lovely shot that looked like it came from a pitching wedge and not someone’s right foot.

“When I started on the bench, I could see he [David Raya] was very high up the pitch,” Mateta explained. “So I knew if I won the ball I could try, so I did and scored. It is one of the best goals of my career. I thought it hit the crossbar but thankfully it was in!”

Liverpool will face a Tottenham side on Sunday in ice-cold form in the Premier League, having lost four of its last five games (with the only victory over last-place Southampton).

However, Spurs are in much stronger form in Europe, having knocked off Eintracht Frankfurt in a fiercely competitive Europa League quarterfinal.

Stephen Bunting Shares a Touching Moment with Isaac Kearney—and a Powerful Lesson from His Parents

In the whirlwind of media obligations and the high-octane atmosphere of Premier League Darts, Stephen Bunting found a moment to pause—and it turned into one of the most heartfelt highlights of his day.

Amidst the cameras and questions, the 40-year-old darts star carved out a quiet pocket of time to spend with a young fan, Isaac Kearney. But this wasn’t just a casual meet-and-greet. For Bunting, it was something far more profound.

“Lots of media duties today,” Bunting shared, “but had time to take a break and spend time with this small superstar, Isaac Kearney. What an absolute credit to his parents. A real pleasure to have met you, young man.”

That brief encounter sparked admiration and reflection. Bunting, a seasoned professional known for his competitive edge and emotional honesty, was clearly moved—not only by Isaac’s charisma but by the upbringing that shaped him. In just a short time, it became evident that Isaac carried qualities that speak volumes about the love, values, and care instilled by his parents.

In a world where public figures often spotlight wins and losses, Bunting’s heartfelt words offered something deeper: a reminder that behind every remarkable child is often a story of strong parenting.

His tribute to Isaac’s parents wasn’t just a passing compliment—it was a powerful affirmation that in raising children with character and confidence, parents are the true unsung heroes.

Moments like this show the human side of sports—the connections that form off the stage, away from the lights. For Bunting, it was more than a break from media—it was a memory worth holding onto.

In Isaac, he saw not just a young fan, but a reflection of great parenting. And in sharing that moment, Bunting reminded us all of the importance of raising kind, respectful, and bright young minds. Sometimes, it’s not the trophies or the titles that define a legacy—it’s the people we impact and the hearts we touch along the way.

Stephen Bunting Prepares for Emotional Premier League Darts Return in Liverpool

Stephen Bunting is set for an emotional night in Liverpool as he returns to the Premier League Darts stage on Thursday—almost a decade after his last full campaign. But the 40-year-old insists: “I want to win, not cry.”

Back in 2015, Stephen Bunting’s last regular Premier League appearance ended in a heavy defeat to Phil Taylor—a moment that left a lasting impact on him. Now, with lessons learned and confidence renewed, the St Helens native is ready to take centre stage in his home city once again.

“I’ve dreamt of coming back ever since that night,” Bunting said in a pre-match press conference. “I played as a challenger in 2020, but this is different. I wanted to be back as a full Premier League player—and here I am.”

Bunting has had his sights set on the Liverpool fixture ever since the Premier League lineup was announced. It’s not just another match—this is personal.

“Playing Phil Taylor in Liverpool all those years ago, I put so much pressure on myself. I was nervous, I got hammered. But I’ve learned a lot since then.”

Those lessons have been hard-earned.

Stephen Bunting endured a difficult start to this year’s campaign, spending the first eight weeks without a single match win. But the numbers tell a deeper story—he averaged over 100 in five of those matches and has recently picked up form with a night win in Berlin and a finals appearance in Rotterdam.

A New Mindset, A New Song

Now, he’s not only changed his game but also his mindset. Gone is the pressure and self-doubt. Bunting says he’s removed the weight from his shoulders and is simply enjoying the ride.

“I’ve taken all the pressure off myself. The points might not reflect it, but my performances do. I’m aiming to be part of next year’s Premier League as well—I’m world No. 4 and just enjoying the experience.”

Symbolic of this change is his new walk-on song: Titanium—his son’s favourite track and a powerful anthem of strength and resilience.

“It’s emotional. It means something to me now. That’s why you see the emotion when I walk on stage.”

Liverpool Crowd: Pressure or Power?

Playing in front of a home crowd can either lift or overwhelm a player. And Bunting is aware of both possibilities.

“I’ve done hypnotherapy. I’m calmer now. But it will still be emotional—friends, family, the Liverpool crowd. I just need to stay focused. I want to win, not cry.”

Darts pundits are keeping a close eye on how he handles it. On the Love the Darts podcast, Laura Turner said:

“It could go either way. Bunting has been emotional before. He just needs to stay in control.”

Commentator Chris Murphy added:

“Liverpool are heading toward a Premier League title. The crowd will be electric. It might get emotional before a dart is even thrown.”

The Dream Lives On

For Bunting, Thursday night is more than just another match—it’s the culmination of years of hard work, setbacks, and personal growth. And if he wins, it won’t just be for the points—it’ll be for every dart thrown in pursuit of a dream.

“The will to win has never been stronger. Every time I lose, I learn. That’s important.”