LONDON: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called the club’s first Premier League title win “absolutely incredible”.

The Reds ended their 30 year-wait for a top-flight league title after Chelsea beat Manchester City 2-1 on Thursday.

That result means leaders Liverpool, 23 points clear of second-place City, can no longer be mathematically caught at the top.

“I have no words,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “It’s unbelievable. Much more than I ever thought would be possible.”

The German, who was wearing a Liverpool shirt during his interview and was visibly emotional, added: “Becoming champions with this club is absolutely incredible. It is an incredible achievement from my players… and a pure joy for me to coach them.”

Liverpool narrowly missed out on the title in 2014 when a defeat by Chelsea at Anfield towards the end of the season allowed Manchester City to clinch the title instead.

However, an incredibly dominant campaign this time around, in which the Reds have won 28 of their 31 fixtures, meant any end-of-season drama never looked likely.

A 4-0 win against Crystal Palace meant a draw or Chelsea win in their game against Manchester City would cement the championship for the Reds and when the final whistle went at Stamford Bridge there were scenes of jubilation outside of Anfield as well as where several Liverpool players had gathered to watch the game.

“It shows the character in the squad to get so close last time and to go again,” Liverpool midfielder James Milner told Match of the Day. “We have proven we are fuelled by disappointment and learning.

“I am sure the hunger will stay and we want to keep being successful. It is absolutely massive, to get over the line is huge.”

Guardiola tribute

Liverpool, won the Champions League last season under Klopp, can now beat Manchester City’s Premier League record of 100 points in a campaign if they are victorious in five of their remaining seven matches.

“Liverpool have played an incredible season. Well deserved,” Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, whose side started the season as defending champions, told BBC Radio 5 live.

“Two seasons ago we were 100 points and they finished more than 25 points behind. Last season they didn’t recover the distance and this season they went the distance.

“We have to learn from this season and improve for the next one.”

Liverpool this season v season average from previous 29
2019-20 Average (1990-91 to 2018-19)
28 Wins 19.57
2 Draws 9.72
1 Losses 9.14
70 Goals scored 65.45
21 Goals conceded 38.83
86 Points 68.57
90.32 Win % 50.81

The title is Liverpool’s 19th and first since the 1989-90 season, when they won the First Division under Kenny Dalglish.

“I’m very pleased for everybody connected with the football club,” Dalglish told Sky Sports. “Jurgen has done a fantastic job. The highlight has been the camaraderie within the team and the way everyone has helped the team. Last night’s game was a huge example of that.

“They played with tempo and never gave Crystal Palace time on the ball. It’s the whole feeling within the club, you do not win anything without a great dressing room, and they have that.”

Owner’s delight

Liverpool’s principal owner John W Henry saluted his team’s “season for the ages”.

He tweeted: “It has been an incredible year of magnificent achievement culminating tonight in capturing the Premier League title.

“The totality of this accomplishment has brought respite and joy to so many in a year filled with so much tragedy.

“Liverpool has made the beautiful game more beautiful than ever.”

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