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After winning the Premier League title in style last year, Arne Slot asserts that Liverpool’s sky-high expectations won’t prevent any letdown next season.

With four games to go, Arsenal’s closest rivals were in the distance thanks to a crushing 5-1 victory over Tottenham at a raucous Anfield on Sunday.

After only taking home their second league title in the Premier League era, Liverpool are now on 20 English top-flight titles, equal to bitter rivals Manchester United.

Few pundits predicted that Slot would win the league in his first season, but it is a remarkable accomplishment for him. Jurgen Klopp took over the reins last June.

Liverpool, however, started out slowly and have lost just two league games this season as Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal have all failed to challenge consistently.

As they sung and lit the fireworks outside Anfield hours after the final whistle on Sunday, thousands of fans waited outside the stadium.

The memory of their 2020 title, which was kept secret due to Covid restrictions, heightened the emotion.

Plans were already in place for the upcoming season, according to Slot, who has settled so well into life at Anfield. This will help him keep his team motivated as he aims for more silverware.

The former Feyenoord boss, who became the first Dutch coach to win the Premier League, said, “I don’t have to manage expectations because this club’s expectations are always the same.”

We must compete for every trophy, a statement that I made when I first started playing, and it will continue to do so next season.

“We have a group of players who can win things, but we’re not the only ones.” We must compete because there are so many excellent teams in this division and the Champions League.

Just a few weeks after a disappointing season, Liverpool’s season comes to an end on a high note following a Champions League exit and a defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and a defeat to Newcastle in the final.

The club has been in the Premier League for months, despite their high-profile defeats, with a sense of anti-climax.

The futures of England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, captain Virgil van Dijk, and top-scorer Mohamed Salah were all at the time, giving off a sense of uncertainty.

Despite Alexander-Arnold continuing to be linked with a move to Real Madrid, both Van Dijk and Salah have signed new deals, which provide a sense of stability at the club.

Slot asserted that the top priority has always been the Premier League.

We always believed there was a bigger goal to accomplish, he said, “Despite our all being very disappointed when we were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain.”

It is very special to do that in the world’s most challenging league over a period of time where it becomes increasingly difficult to win.

Even the toughest season could come next.

The Dutchman acknowledges that Arsenal, who are likely to finish second for the third consecutive year, have not been as consistent as they should have, despite Manchester City’s drop-off this season.

Bayern Forced To Watch On As Home Final Dream Is “Shattered,” READ ALSO:

‘Speechless’

However, Liverpool supporters who celebrate their title in the shadow of the imposing Anfield stadium believe their success could be a catalyst for greater success.

” Speechless, “said Alex Irlam, 23”. It is incredible. This is unique to this location. You can win the Premier League with any other Premier League club, but this is unique.

Jurgen Klopp and Slot are (Bill) Shankly and (Bob) Paisley’s version two), he added, referring to two of Liverpool’s greatest managers who ran one after the other.

Sam Vickers, 23, pleaded with the club’s leadership for his support.

He claimed that the owners must provide funds for transfers to support Liverpool FC. Because we are the best in the world, they must support us as a team and as a club.

“Watch these celebrations,” you ask. You can’t get it at Newcastle City, nor at Manchester City.

Frank McShane, 74, a veteran Liverpool fan for decades, enjoyed the celebrations both inside and outside the stadium.

He continued, “The last time was Covid, and it was a damp squib,” adding that he sincerely desires Alexander-Arnold to remain.

He predicted that the team would triumph next year. “I hope Trent stays,” What will he do next? What made him leave?”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will have to beat one of the most influential figures in his football life when the Gunners face Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals.

Arteta’s side host PSG in the first leg on Tuesday as the Spaniard aims to lead Arsenal to only the second Champions League final appearance in their history.

Standing in his way is a close friend who, along with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, played a major role in his compatriot’s impressive transition from the pitch to the dug-out.

Luis Enrique was a senior star at Barcelona when Arteta started his playing career at the Camp Nou, a period that had a major impact on his managerial philosophy with Arsenal.

“He was extremely supportive with the young players, he was one of the main characters by far. I have really good memories of him,” Arteta said.

“What I love about him is wherever he’s been, as a player or a manager, his fingerprints are all over the place.

“You can sense it’s his team with the way his players behave, the way they want to attack and dominate games.”

The pupil has already got the better of his mentor once this season, when Arsenal eased to a 2-0 win over PSG in the league phase at the Emirates in October.

But PSG have improved dramatically since then, in large part because Luis Enrique’s decision to drop Ousmane Dembele against Arsenal for disciplinary reasons has inspired the France forward’s superb run of form.

It was the kind of ruthless gamble that Arteta is willing to take himself.

“I admire his honesty. He will look in your eyes and tell you what he thinks. In the end, players appreciate that,” Arteta said.

“An unbelievable personality, huge character, huge energy. I learnt a lot of things from him.

“For me he’s one of the best coaches in the world and someone who helped me a huge amount. I have the utmost respect both for how he is as a person and his way of working.”

The feeling is mutual, with Luis Enrique saying: “He is one of the best coaches at the moment.

“He changed Arsenal’s fortunes from a somewhat winless streak to one of the best teams in the world that is competing for titles.”

READ ALSO: Bayern Forced To Watch On As Home Final Dream Is ‘Shattered’

‘Electric Atmosphere’

While Arteta and Luis Enrique are sure to share a private moment together after the tie, they will put their friendship on hold to focus on finally delivering Champions League glory to their clubs.

Arsenal have never won the tournament, losing to Barcelona in the 2006 final, while PSG have a tortured recent history, beaten by Bayern Munich in their only final in 2020.

Securing the European holy grail would make Arteta immortal in north London and banish any questions about his ability to win major trophies.

The Gunners have gone five years without silverware since Arteta won the only prize of his reign in the FA Cup.

Arsenal head into the PSG tie emboldened by their swaggering 5-1 aggregate dismissal of holders Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

However, they have spluttered in the Premier League, effectively surrendering the title to Liverpool after a series of lacklustre draws.

In Arteta’s defence, Arsenal have been hampered by injuries for much of the season, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus still sidelined.

PSG have already knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa, setting them up for a hat-trick of English scalps if they get past Arsenal.

In their first Champions League semi-final since losing to Manchester United in 2009, the key for Arsenal could lie in their ability to recreate the fevered atmosphere that swept away Madrid in the last eight.

“With the home crowd behind us, there needs to be an electric atmosphere, and they will push us forward,” Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard said.

Trossard could lead the attack against PSG, with makeshift forward Mikel Merino expected to revert to midfield in the absence of the suspended Thomas Partey.

“We want the same as last time. The fans were incredible in the home game against Madrid. If we can do that again it would be amazing,” Trossard said.

After overcoming Nottingham Forest to win the FA Cup with a 2-0 advantage on Sunday at Wembley, Manchester City will face Crystal Palace in their third successive finale.

Rico Lewis gave Pep Guardiola’s side an early lead before Josko Gvardiol’s second-half goal made it 2-0.

After the Eagles defeated Aston Villa 3-0 in the other semi-final on Saturday, City can anticipate a showdown with Palace at Wembley on May 17.

City have a chance to win the FA Cup for the eighth time since Guardiola took over the title in their 14th appearance since Guardiola took over the reins in 2016.

After defeating cross-town rivals in the 2023 showpiece, City lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup final last year.

Guardiola hopes to win the FA Cup and earn a place in the Champions League by placing in the top five in the Premier League, salvaging a turbulent season.

City will advance to the final as favorites after beating Palace 5-2 earlier in April at the Etihad Stadium. They are currently fourth in the league with four games left.

However, Guardiola will need no recollection of that season’s success after their four-year reign as English champions was officially ended by Liverpool’s victory against Tottenham at Wembley just as the final whistle blew.

With a game in hand, Forest must lick their wounds and concentrate on their quest to become the first team to reach the Champions League since 1980-81, just two points behind third-placed Newcastle.

It was Forest’s second appearance at Wembley since it reopened in 2007, making City’s 28th appearance there.

As kick-off approached, there was no surprise that the Forest hordes who traveled there were much more vocal, and that large swathes of empty seats were prominent in the City sections.

However, as City’s fans stormed into the lead in the second minute, they quickly made themselves heard.

Slick City –

Guardiola claimed this week that City will be much stronger next season because they have since rediscovered their spirit and drive.

In a crucial 2-1 win over Villa on Wednesday, the City manager was encouraged by his team’s wild celebrations of Bernardo Silva’s opening goal.

Lewis took advantage of the far too much space on the edge of the Forest area with a fierce drive into the bottom corner after a questioning period of City passing.

Forest was too busy for Forest to handle City’s pressing, so Nico O’Reilly waltzed through Forest’s defense to deliver a fizzed blast just wide.

Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest manager, gambled on Zach Abbott at right-back while Neco Williams was suspended and Ola Aina and Ryan Yates were injured, and Anthony Elanga was unsurprisingly sat on the bench.

Abbott, who had only played 60 minutes this season, was repeatedly exposed by City’s attacks and Forest, who was lacking in a cutting edge without Elanga, who was the backbone of Nuno’s moves for the majority of the first half.

In the City area, Forest only had one touch after the first half when he couldn’t pull off a single shot.

Elanga should have celebrated his 23rd birthday with a goal when Nuno sent him on from Callum Hudson-Odoi’s pass.

However, in the 51st minute, City displayed the same ruthless resolve as Forest did.

Gvardiol rose highest to head home after Matz Sels pushed his effort away for a corner and Omar Marmoush’s set-piece left him essentially unchallenged.

Morgan Gibbs-White of Forest slammed another effort off the post after Morgan Gibbs-White crashed a volley off the crossbar.

With a back-heeled movie, Taiwo Awoniyi also made a Woody Woods debut for Forest.

In Sunday’s 1-1 draw with 10-man Bournemouth, Rasmus Hojlund saved Manchester United from a third successive Premier League defeat with a last-gasp equalizer.

Antoine Semenyo’s first-half opener at the Vitality Stadium shocked Ruben Amorim’s struggling side.

With 20 minutes left, Evanilson, a Bournemouth forward, was controversiously sent off.

Evanilson was dismissed after being initially charged with kicking Noussair Mazraoui, even though he appeared to have slipped before making contact with the United defender.

Man United fought back from deep into stoppage time, just in time for their fourth league defeat.

United left feeling better than they did after bitter rivals Liverpool, who were hoping to win their 20th English title by avoiding defeat against Tottenham later on Sunday.

Hojlund’s late goal, however, did not help moribund United, who are currently 14th in the Premier League, make an encouraging display.

When they are crowned champions, Liverpool will join United as England’s joint most successful top-flight team.

Man United hasn’t won a trophy since 2013, and next season’s goal is to return to the top five rather than compete with Liverpool for the 21st title.

Amorim asserted this week that despite being concerned about how he should have delayed his arrival, he has “no regrets” about joining United.

Since joining Sporting Lisbon to take the place of the burned Erik ten Hag in November, Amorim has endured a hell of a time.

Under the Portuguese coach, Man United have only managed six victories in the top six, have unquestionably the lowest points total in the Premier League, and have the potential to have their worst season since 1973-74.

United has one more chance to wrap up the season with a semi-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday.

They will need to take the most of this success to defeat the top-flying La Liga side.

United arrive late

After last weekend’s defeat against Wolves, Amorim made five changes, starting with left-back Luke Shaw as a temporary central defender in his first start since February 2024.

In the opening moments, Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo used a curler to put a pressure on Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Alejandro Garnacho hit the spot with a powerful strike that soared wide from the edge of the area.

However, Semenyo’s 23rd minute winner gave Bournemouth a bad result in the south-coast sunshine despite Man United’s promising start.

After Shaw made a difficult pass, Patrick Dorgu, a panicked Ghana midfielder, gave up possession and fired a clinical finish past Semenyo, who had scored his eleventh goal of the season.

When Bruno Fernandes’ pass was mistaken by Illia Zabarnyi, allowing the winger to race clear for a shot Kepa did well to tip over, Garnacho almost had the lead.

Andre Onana, a Man United goalkeeper out of position, was almost deceived by Dango Ouattara’s audacious shot that smacked off the post.

Evanilson’s 70th-minute red card gave Man United a lifeline, and Bournemouth grew furious as referee Peter Bankes changed his decision to a red card after consulting the pitchside monitor.

As the final nine minutes of stoppage time drew near, Amorim’s men continued to appear unhurried.

As Liverpool prepare to defend their 20th English title against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday, they are ready for a spectacular Premier League title party.

With only four games left, Liverpool will be 13 points adrift of second-placed Arsenal, who are mathematically out of reach with a draw.

The manager believes they have a “big responsibility” to seal the deal in front of their own fans after they have been a “hot favorite” to win just their second title in the Premier League era for months.

Five years ago, the Reds won their final championship game with a slightly anticlimactic theme due to the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving Anfield almost empty when the trophy was presented due to restrictions.

In the matchday program, Slot said, “What we have now and what we have in the rest of the season is a wonderful opportunity that we should take advantage of with both hands.”

We now need to finish the work that began in the summer of last year, which would have been an incredible achievement.

In anticipation of Liverpool’s coronation, tens of thousands of fans flocked to Anfield to watch the home team bus arrive, setting off flares in the warm spring sunshine.

From stalls outside the stadium were “Liverpool 20-time Champions” banners and scarves available.

On paper, Spurs, who are 16th in the table and haven’t won at Anfield since 2011, have little to worry about for Liverpool.

Liverpool will be even more pleased with their upcoming title win because it will bring them two league goals ahead of bitter rivals Manchester United in terms of both club’s combined success in English top-flight history.

Salah stars:

Liverpool kept their foot on the gas as their rivals struggled, with the relentless Mohamed Salah as inspiration.

Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola team was the first team to win five titles in a row, extending their dynastic Premier League dominance at the start of the campaign.

After two straight runners-up finishes behind City, Mikel Arteta was viewed as the driving force.

However, neither club has been able to match Liverpool’s consistency and intensity.

After nine glittering years at Anfield, it was believed that Liverpool’s players would need some time to adjust to Slot’s methods. He took over as Jurgen Klopp’s replacement in June.

However, the former Feyenoord manager quickly resigned and switched to a more controlled, possession-based game, replacing Klopp’s “heavy metal” style of football with a high press.

In his third game in charge, Slot celebrated a statement victory at Old Trafford, winning 3-1, before conceding defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

As Chelsea struggled before City, Liverpool won 11 of their first 13 league games, going one-game clear of City.

Arsenal made an appearance as their closest rival, but they drew too many games, failing to capitalize on the frequently missed Liverpool mistakes.

Despite constant rumors about the futures of three of his biggest stars, Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Slot has flown peacefully throughout the season.

Van Dijk and Salah both recently signed two-year extensions, though Alexander-Arnold is rumored to be close to joining Real Madrid as England’s defensive partner.

Salah has shown the difference by contributing 18 assists and 27 league goals thus far, which is a record for total goal involvements in a 38-game campaign.

After a fiery 2-2 draw with Everton in February, the normally calm sloth lost his cool and was given a two-game touchline ban, despite having acknowledged that “emotions got the better of me.”

When Liverpool lost to Fulham earlier this month, marking just their second league defeat of the season, they hit yet another roadblock, but the title victory was already a formality.

After surviving the Champions League group stage, Slot’s men fought back against Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 before suffering a surprise defeat to Newcastle in the final match.