Let’s be honest. This was not so much a game as a party to celebrate the Premier League champions Liverpool and the FA Cup champions Crystal Palace. The only thing to play for was Mohamed Salah getting yet another record. Liverpool were forcing the ball to Salah early and often, but it was the visitors who kicked the party off with a goal in just the 9th minute. Salah eventually got his goal in the 84th minute, despite Liverpool being down a player due to Ryan Gravenberch getting sent off for denial of a goal scoring opportunity. In the end, both sides played 90ish minutes and Liverpool were officially awarded their Premier League trophy after clinching the title a month ago. BACK ON THE PERCH!
Below, we take a look at some winners and losers on the night, and attempt to disentangle narrative from fact.
Winners
Guard of Hono(u)rs
Crystal Palace gave Liverpool the most enthusiastic guard of honor of all the four teams that lined up to honor the Reds for winning the Premier League. In a fun little twist, the Liverpool players then lined up to give a guard of honor to Crystal Palace for winning the FA Cup over Manchester City. Anfield gave a resounding welcome for both sides.
Mohamed Salah
On a day that was essentially a party for both sides, Mohamed Salah was still looking to tie and potentially break the Premier League goal involvement record. The Reds played along with Operation Get Mo His Stats, but a combination of good goalkeeping and forcing the ball to Mo, along with Ryan Gravenberch’s red card had everyone thinking it just wasn’t happening. Mo finally got his breakthrough in the 84th minute to tie Alan Shearer and Andy Cole with 47 goal involvements for a single season.
The goal was Salah’s 29th in the Premier League this season, to pair with his 18 assists. He was officially awarded the PL Golden Boot (most goals), and PL Playmaker of the Season (most assists) after the match to go along with he PL Player of the Year and PFA Player of the Year awards.
A (More) Proper Send Off for Trent Alexander-Arnold
After being booed by the home crowd two weeks ago, Trent Alexander-Arnold was given a much warmer greeting when he came on to start the second half in likely his last appearance as a Liverpool player. Trent showed off his class with the ball at his foot, pinging some absolute top shelf passes. He was given a rousing ovation when his name was announced to receive his medal and on his chance lift the trophy.
Darwin in Braids
If Darwin does go this summer, which seems likely, I am surely going to miss this man.
Anfield Faithful
Despite winning the Premier League for the first time in 2020, no one was on hand to see the Reds lift the trophy due to Covid restrictions. The fans were out in force this time, with over 60,000 on hand to sing and party through the entire match before finally getting celebrate Virgil van Dijk and the rest of the squad lift the trophy.
Losers
Overcooked Gravy
Ryan Gravenberch got a yellow card for simulation after a pretty blatant dive in the box. Just a few minutes later, the silky midfielder took a ball down just in the Liverpool half but could not keep control of hit. His foot slipped out as he tried to play it, missing the ball and whacking a Crystal Palace player who was through on goal. Gravy was shown a straight red for DOGSO. To top it all off, the crown on top of the Premier League trophy came flying off when Gravenberch had his chance to lift it high.
Talking Tactics
The tactics for this match were GET THE BALL TO MO SO HE CAN SCORE/ASSIST. It eventually worked. Masterclass.
What Happens Next
Liverpool will officially start their offseason, though most of the squad has been on holiday for the past month. It should be a busy summer with many players involved in World Cup qualification, as wall as an expected raft of transfers in and out.