Liverpool
Man City dominance and 115 charges sees penny finally drop for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp
As Jurgen Klopp prepares to leave Liverpool, there remains an asterisk next to Man City’s name and their success at his side’s expense as they continue to face 115 Premier League charges.
Liverpool know exactly how Arsenal will feel as the 2023/24 Premier League season heads towards its final matchday.
Starting the week as league leaders, the Gunners’ hopes of an unlikely favour from bitter-rivals Tottenham Hotspur went unanswered when Spurs hosted reigning champions Man City on Tuesday. An Erling Haaland brace clinched a 2-0 victory to snatch top spot heading into Sunday’s finale.
City now sit two points clear at the top ahead of hosting West Ham United in their final outing. Arsenal are now left praying for a slip-up at the Etihad, as they welcome Everton to the Emirates. Neither Hammers or Blues have anything to play for.
Top at the end of a gameweek for only the second time since November 2023, this is just what Pep Guardiola’s juggernauts do. Unbeaten in their last 22 Premier League matches, with their last defeat coming away at Aston Villa in early-December, they have even clawed back the Gunners’ previously seemingly unassailable superior goal-difference.
Well aware they would lose on head-to-head records if they finished level, they have left nothing to chance with City’s goal-difference now +60 to Arsenal’s +61 heading into that final day.
Liverpool have been here before of course, on two separate occasions, heading into the final day keeping everything crossed that results fall their way.
In May 2019, the Reds were top for 21 first-half minutes as Sadio Mane fired them ahead after 17 minutes against Wolves before Glen Murray opened the scoring for Brighton against Man City in the 27th minute. But then Sergio Aguero equalised 83 seconds later before Aymeric Laporte headed them in front in the 38th minute.
Second half goals from Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan clinched a 4-1 win on the south coast and the title. It did not matter that Liverpool had accumulated an incredible 97 points and lost just once over the entirety of the campaign, they had still fallen short.
They were left to rue that solitary defeat, coming at the Etihad in January 2019 as they fell to a 2-1 loss. Were it not for a remarkable goal-line clearance from a scrambling John Stones, that somehow nutmegged Mohamed Salah, the Reds would have been champions. Subsequent data showed that the ball had failed to cross by just 1.12cm as they ended up missing out on the title by a single point.
Fast forward to 2022 and the carrot was dangled in front of them again. Falling behind early on to Pedro Neto’s opener at home to Wolves, Mane equalised in the 24th minute before Aston Villa raced into a 2-0 lead at the Etihad with 21 minutes remaining.
Take the lead and the Premier League trophy would be in Liverpool hands. But by the time Salah had fired them ahead in the 83rd minute, with his celebrations that of a man who clearly thought he had scored a title-winning goal, three goals in five minutes from Gundogan and Rodri had already seen City do what they needed to do. Andy Robertson’s 89th-minute strike subsequently mattered not as the Reds missed out by a point yet again.
This time the chaser rather than looking over their shoulder at a catching City, draws with Guardiola’s men and Tottenham Hotspur had seen them ‘squander’ their opportunities to take control of the title-race. But unbeaten for the entirety of the second half of the season, dropping points just three times and only losing twice throughout the campaign as a whole, again their efforts were not enough. Again they missed out by just a point despite boasting an impressive haul of 92 in total.
Should Man City win the Premier League this year, their maximum points total is 91. Arsenal’s would be 89 points, if granted a slip-up that remained elusive when Liverpool were in pursuit. Both totals are less than the Reds’ records the two times they missed out in agonising fashion.
Meanwhile, in the Premier League’s entire 31-year history prior to the current campaign, only Man City’s 2017/18 (100 points) and 2018/19 champions (98 points), along with Liverpool’s own 2019/20 title-winning alumni (99 points) have been capable of preventing Klopp’s own 2018/19 side (97 points) from winning the league.
And Chelsea in 2004/05 (95 points) and 2016/17 (93 points) are the only other side who better their 2021/22 return of 92 points – aside from that year’s Champions, Man City and their 93. Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side of 1993/94 can match such a total, but with a far inferior goal difference despite playing four matches more.
As Jurgen Klopp prepares to step down as Liverpool manager this weekend, his record of ‘only’ one Premier League title from nine years has been mocked by rivals. Yet in any other era, he would be departing with three winner’s medals around his neck.
In his reign where perfection has been needed to emerge victorious, he has been on the verge of delivering exactly that. The only problem is Guardiola and City have had that decisive tiny bit more.
This is not to take anything away from them. They have been worthy winners, with both Klopp and Guardiola insisting their own sides would not have reached such heights if they had not been fighting the other. It is because of both sides that we have reached an age where near-perfection is needed to be Premier League champions.
Just because Liverpool fell short more times than not, that does not mean Klopp’s legacy is one of failure. Yet it is one that will always be accompanied by thoughts of what if.
After all, as remarkable as Guardiola’s side are, City’s rise has been accompanied by an asterisk. Those 115 charges, mainly for alleged breaches of the league’s financial rules between 2009/10 and 2017/18, but also 35 charges of failing to cooperate with Premier League investigations December 2018 – February 2023, still hang over their head.
Sky News’ sports correspondent, Rob Harris, has claimed that the Premier League have indicated that a hearing is coming in the next few months, with a plethora of potential punishments possible if City are found guilty.
They could be hit with huge fines, deducted points, kicked out of the Premier League altogether or stripped of historic titles, though it is expected that any punishment will have ramifications more on the future than the past.
Admittedly, Klopp’s near title-misses don’t fall during this period, but what came before has contributed to transforming City, who do strongly deny any wrong-doing, into this invincible heavyweight in the first place. How different things could have looked had it been a near level playing field at the top.
Meanwhile, accusations of a lack of cooperation and the sheer complex nature of Man City’s position has seen the whole case dragged on and on.
Had it been answered sooner and potential punishments dished out earlier, that would have had knock-on effects in the seasons where Liverpool narrowly missed out. In an era where campaigns have decided by the finest of margins, this is both decisive and game-changing.
Klopp will depart the Reds this weekend knowing he gave everything he could to see Liverpool crowned champions in each and every year. He will also know that he has had to battle the best side English football has ever seen, and while he landed a few blows, he often lost the fight. He is not alone on that score, as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are now finding out.
Guardiola’s side are just inevitable. But it was never a fair fight in the first place, with the odds stacked against the Reds time and time again.
Klopp’s legacy is not one of failure. As he rides off into the sunset, the soon-to-be former Liverpool boss can now only hope that when City’s case is finally heard, if found guilty, the Premier League don’t fail him.
Liverpool
Liverpool fans completely stunned after finding out Arne Slot’s real name ahead of Premier League title win
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.”
Liverpool
“We Won’t Be Attending the Game…” – Isaac Kearney’s Mum Shares a Heartfelt Message That Will Move Every Liverpool Fan
“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.”
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.
Liverpool
Fans can’t believe what Crystal Palace posted moments after Arsenal draw to leave Liverpool on brink of the title
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.
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.”
Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold tipped to make shock Liverpool U-turn after surprise ‘twist’ in Real Madrid saga
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
Three players who could miss Liverpool’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur with the title on the line
Liverpool vs Tottenham team news ahead of the Premier League fixture at Anfield.
Liverpool supporters will be heading to Anfield in buoyant mood. They might be expecting to return home in the wee hours. That is because the Premier League title could be secured with a victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Kopites have not celebrated an English championship properly since 1990. The Covid-19 pandemic denied them the chance to toast the feat when Jurgen Klopp’s side ended the 30-year wait. But new generations are on the verge of experiencing what their parents and grandparents got to cherish throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.
One point is all it will take for Liverpool to claim the title. In truth, many would have been overjoyed that Arsenal drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. Reds fans want to celebrate it properly. Of course, it was a nice problem to have. But the potential feeling of winning the silverware at the full-time whistle will be euphoric.
Yet Liverpool still have to keep to their end of the bargain. Head coach Slot, captain Virgil van Dijk and the rest of the squad know there is still a job to do and that is to beat Tottenham.
But Slot is set to head into the fixture with almost a full complement of players yet again. Trent Alexander-Arnold returned from an ankle injury in emphatic style to score the winning goal at Leicester City. It will be intriguing if Alexander-Arnold.
The only member of the current Reds squad absent is Joe Gomez. The defender is working his way back from hamstring surgery. There is hope that Gomez will be able to play some part before the end of the campaign.
Slot’s troops will be heavy favourites to defeat Tottenham. Pressure is on Ange Postecoglou after their 2-1 defeat by Nottingham Forest earlier this week was their 18th league loss of the season. Spurs languish 16th in the table and their main focus for the rest of the season is on the Europa League. They face Bodo/ Glimt in the semi-finals, with the victors of the competitions earning a spot in next term’s Champions League.
The visitors will definitely be without centre-back Radu Dragusin, who has surgery from an ACL injury in February. Meanwhile, captain Heung-Min Son is a doubt. He has a foot issue and was absent against Forest.
Head coach Postecoglou left Destiny Udogie out of his squad for the Forest reverse but he could return. Meanwhile, centre-half duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero were substituted at half-time.
Liverpool
Crystal Palace sends three-word message to Liverpool after setting up dream title scenario
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.
Liverpool
Stephen Bunting Shares a Touching Moment with Isaac Kearney—and a Powerful Lesson from His Parents
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.
Liverpool
Stephen Bunting on ‘dream’ Liverpool Premier League Darts return a decade in making: ‘I want to win, not cry’
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.”
“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.”
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