Premier League: Liverpool end 30-year wait for title
Updated 10:02, 26-Jun-2020
CGTN
Screenshot of Liverpool's official Twitter account

Screenshot of Liverpool's official Twitter account

"We're Premier League champions!!" Liverpool tweeted seconds after the final whistle while Manchester City tweeted their congratulations. "Congratulations to @LFC on winning the Premier League."

Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions on Thursday as Chelsea's win over Manchester City ended the Reds' 30-year wait to win the English title, with jubilant fans ignoring social-distancing guidelines to converge on Anfield.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's men sealed a 19th league title with a record seven games remaining after defeat for second-placed City left the champions for the past two seasons 23 points adrift.

Liverpool, who were tantalizingly close to glory when the coronavirus forced the shutdown of English football in March, demolished Crystal Palace 4-0 at their home ground of Anfield on Wednesday to stand on the brink of the title.

City needed to win at Stamford Bridge to keep the Premier League alive but slipped to a 2-1 defeat.

In Premier League's latest official videos, Liverpool's ex-striker Robbie Fowler believes this is probably the best team Liverpool have ever produced.

Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman said Liverpool won title in style.

Hundreds of Liverpool supporters celebrate winning the Premier League title with flares outside Anfield in Liverpool, UK, June 25, 2020. /VCG

Hundreds of Liverpool supporters celebrate winning the Premier League title with flares outside Anfield in Liverpool, UK, June 25, 2020. /VCG

Liverpool fans ignore social distancing during celebrations

Liverpool fans ignored social distancing rules to gather outside Anfield in celebration of their team's first English title in 30 years on Thursday.

Hundreds of Liverpool supporters put coronavirus fears to one side, ignoring advice from the club's manager Klopp, as they converged on Anfield to start the title party.

Setting off red flares and fireworks, waving flags, hugging and drinking in the street, the fans were determined to make the most of the long-awaited first title since 1990.

Cars also gathered outside the ground, with some beeping horns as they passed scarf-wearing fans carrying crates of beer.

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates victory with goalkeeper Alisson after their 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace during the Premier League match at Anfield in Liverpool, UK, June 24, 2020. /VCG

Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates victory with goalkeeper Alisson after their 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace during the Premier League match at Anfield in Liverpool, UK, June 24, 2020. /VCG

'It's for you', tearful Klopp tells Liverpool fans

Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015 with the Reds struggling just to qualify for the Champions League on a regular basis via a top four finish.

The German led Liverpool to a sixth European Cup last season and has now ended an even longer wait to become champions of England.

Klopp urged supporters not to congregate around Liverpool's famous Anfield stadium with social distancing guidelines still in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's such a big moment, I am completely overwhelmed," Klopp told Sky Sports.

"Tonight it is for you out there," added Klopp.

"It's incredible. I hope you stay at home, or go in front of your house if you want, but not more. We do it together in this moment and it is a joy to do it for you."

The German promised that the club will recreate the mass scenes of celebration on a parade through the city that followed last season's Champions League win when it is safe to do so.

"We will create pictures in the future with the parade whenever it will be for all our supporters," added Klopp.

"We will be together and enjoy this in a proper manner."

"The team all look like they have a good few years in their legs but for tonight we just enjoy this moment. It is the best thing I can imagine, it's more than I ever dreamed of to be honest."

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson captain on his kneel showing support for Black Livers Matter prior to the Premier League with Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool, UK, June 24, 2020. /VCG

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson captain on his kneel showing support for Black Livers Matter prior to the Premier League with Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool, UK, June 24, 2020. /VCG

Liverpool title not possible without Klopp, says captain Henderson

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson hailed manager Klopp's transformational impact on the club to end their 30-year title wait. "I felt from day one when he came in the door he changed everything," said Henderson.

"We followed him and believed him. It's been an amazing journey. I'm hoping there is more, we just keep hungry, keep wanting more and following him.

"The biggest thing is no matter what we all follow him, believe in him and he's took us to this point.

"This wouldn't be possible without him."

Mohamed Salah (C) of Liverpool scores a goal against Crystal Palace during the Premier League match played behind the closed doors at Anfield in Liverpool, UK, June 24, 2020. /VCG

Mohamed Salah (C) of Liverpool scores a goal against Crystal Palace during the Premier League match played behind the closed doors at Anfield in Liverpool, UK, June 24, 2020. /VCG

Man City did not match Liverpool's passion, says Guardiola

Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola said his squad failed to match Liverpool's hunger to win the Premier League title after his side's two-year reign as champions came to an end on June 25.

"Maybe we didn't arrive with the same passion; Liverpool played every single game like it was the last chance they have," Guardiola said.

"And maybe we didn't get that moment, especially the key moments in the first part of the season.

"That is the reality and that we are so far behind. Liverpool were fantastic in consistency throughout the whole season.

"That's the reality. Two years ago we were 25 points ahead of Liverpool, and now they are this distance ahead.

"I've never thought 'always we can win', but we can say, the last 10 competitions we played as a club we won eight titles.

"That's never happened before in this country. You cannot win all the time and always."

(With input from agencies)