Liverpool could soon find themselves in line to receive a guard of honour if they claim the Premier League title; Manchester City were forced to offer one when the Reds last won the division
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Updated 08:11, 25 Mar 2025
Manchester City gave Liverpool's players a guard of honor in 2020
Manchester City gave Liverpool's players a guard of honor in 2020
(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Just nine games remain in the Premier League and Liverpool sit atop the division with as 12-point advantage over Arsenal. It is not farfetched to think that Arne Slot's side could soon be celebrating a victorious season.
The last time Liverpool tasted Premier League success, Jurgen Klopp's side broke a top-flight record by claiming the title with seven games to spare. Mohamed Salah and co will not be able to quite repeat that feat but could win the honour as early as April 13.
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That would require three Arsenal defeats, with Liverpool requiring to win two games before taking something out of their clash against West Ham United. Without the help of other sides, the Reds need 16 points from the remaining 27, which could happen on the first weekend of May, and achieving that is still set to leave games to spare.
That will mean, like in 2020, sides will likely offer a guard of honour to pay tribute to the Champions. It could even see Arsenal forced to clap their rivals onto the field in gameweek 36.
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Such traditions do not always go down well. And Manchester City contributed a lacklustre guard of honour when Liverpool visited the Etihad in 2020.
An empty stadium saw the Reds march on to the pitch through begrudging applause. Though, City star Bernardo Silva did not appear to offer even that.
The Portuguese midfielder lined up with his team-mates but did not bring his hands together. e even appeared to be drinking a coffee before making his exit with Liverpool's stars still making their way onto the pitch.
It did not appear to be an act that bothered Klopp at the time, with the gesture being an unfamiliar one. "I am not sure if I've ever got [a guard of honour] but it was long ago that I won something in Germany," the Reds' boss said at the time.
"I think we had three more match days to go, and it's not really a German tradition, but it is an English one and a Premier League one. So we take it, it is a nice gesture, 100%. I wouldn't need it to be honest."
Supporters took more offence however. When Manchester City crashed out of the Champions League later that season against Lyon, Bernardo soon found himself as the target of their taunts.
The midfielder even posted a reaction on X, such was the backlash he received.
"And to all Liverpool fans that have nothing else to do than to come to a Man City player account, I’m also sorry for you, but for the wrong reasons… pathetic… go celebrate your titles, or try to find a partner, drink a beer with a friend, read a book… so many options!”
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