Everything has been leading to this. It’s the final match of the season, with Premier League Champions [Liverpool](https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/) hosting [FA Cup](http://www.sbnation.com/fa-cup) winners Crystal Palace in a preview of the Community Shield in a couple of months. Both teams will likely be checked out today rather than hopefully locked in in August, but it’s the day that fans have been waiting for for over 30 years. The chance to see the team lift the trophy in front of them, and to celebrate in a way that does that achievement proud.
A win would be nice after the string of... not wins since we secured the League, but really it’s a moot point. Crystal Palace will be giving us a guard of honor, Mohamed Salah will be trying once again to break records, and Virgil Van Dijk will lift that gorgeous trophy. That’s really all we can ask for as we party.
First Half
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We get underway with a double guard of honor!! An hoped for but unexpected moment of joy for both clubs as they prepare for what could be practically a friendly. Both squads get off to a good start, but it’s pretty clear that hearts aren’t maybe in it. We’re just trying to get to the end of the match, even as Crystal Palace find miles of space with a player turning away from Conor Bradley to pass to Ismaila Sarr and score the first **goal** of the match.
Even Palace have decided to sit back and enjoy the one goal lead at the moment, as both teams jog around the pitch amongst balloons. Really, there are no stakes anymore so it looks like they’re just playing for the fun of it? Even as Liverpool give up another whole empty third and Jean-Philippe Mateta get into an offside position twice, scoring but having the goal ruled out, and then another shot rattling the crossbar.
The Anfield faithful are once again going through the songbook, with even the Bobby song ringing out around the ground. Luis Diaz has been the standout today with three efforts thwarted now, with Dean Henderson getting into the splits to make a save and Lucho kicking the post in frustration. It feels like he might be the only one caring about scoring today, to be fair, outside of getting Salah the ball to break those records.
Second Half
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The only change that was made is bringing on Trent Alexander-Arnold for his last appearance in red, to a mixed response. He was applauded as he was warming up in the first half, so really the reception was always going to be mixed. Salah is trying literally every tactic in the book to get his two goals, including fighting for a dubious handball that doesn’t go his way. Campeone ringing out around the stadium once again.
We are back to much of the same in this half, although looking a little more eager to get into the final third since Trent came on, with the right back taking a shot from long range that goes wide. Won’t be missing that, to be honest. Slot makes two more changes in the 61th minute, supporting Project Mo Breaking Records, bringing on Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez for Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate. Going full FIFA here, even as Curtis Jones gets a chance to assist but the pass is just barely misplaced in front of an open goal. The camera gets a great shot of visiting Jurgen Klopp saying “what a ball!” and boy does it make us miss him.
The biggest drama of the day comes from Gravenberch receiving a straight red for an accidental but dangerous tackle in the middle of the park, with the Young Player of the Year getting sent off and potentially missing a couple matches at the beginning of next season, which is just wild to see on the last match of the season. Honestly, everything’s the best and nothing hurts, not even Gravy being sent off. Crystal Palace can’t ruin our season again, even as we’re losing to them.
Honestly, it’s really nice to end the season with no stress, knowing exactly where we’ve finished and not having to constantly watch the table throughout our last match. We’re still champions. **AND MO GETS HIS GOAL!** In true Liverpool fashion, the goal comes late and of course it’s Salah, finally tying the goal involvement record! We’re level now, so a point is a point and that’s probably it for the rest of the day.
Final Thoughts
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Did Liverpool win the Premier League? Yes, yes they did, and now it’s really real. Medals have been handed out, the trophy has been lifted, and we go into next season with a gold patch on our arms and all to look forward to. Thanks for being with us, Reds.