Premier League
LIVERPOOL PLAYERS PARTY ALL NIGHT AS CHAMPIONS
Liverpool’s newly-crowned Premier League champions waved scarves and hands in the air and jumped in unison as they belted out 90s dance anthem ‘Show Me Love’ while celebrating the club’s greatest triumph in 30 years.
With the squad all wearing their famous red home shirt with ‘Champions 2020’ written on the back, stars such as Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Andy Robertson partied long into the night at the Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa.
In joyous scenes shared by Trent Alexander-Arnold on Instagram, fans were given an insight into how the players toasted the biggest night of their careers – and in particular the moment they all sang Robin S’s 1990 hit song – after they finally ended the club’s 30-year league title wait on Thursday night.
Having earlier gathered together at the hotel, Jurgen Klopp’s men watched an outdoor screen as Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge confirmed their position as champions in an outstanding campaign which has seen them drop just seven points all season.
Klopp was clearly emotional as he appeared on television afterwards – while his players were in the mood to party as they mobbed Van Dijk during his interview on BT Sport. Then it was on to a championship celebration with the players’ wives at ‘the home of the champions’.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson had been coy when quizzed on where players celebrating, keen to preserve the secret nature of their hideout for fears ‘thousands of fans would turn up’ to join them.
Players did a drum-roll for the final seconds of the match at Stamford Bridge as they sat together as a group in an outdoor seating area at the hotel.
Defender Robertson, goalkeeper Alisson and playmaker Roberto Firmino were among those bursting into song in club colours as the squad shared their joy.
The after party continued inside in a red-lit room, before the players were eventually pictured leaving the venue in the early hours.
Robertson revealed that the players were hoping boss Jurgen Klopp would give them a rest after the party, telling the BBC: ‘We’re still trying to convince the boss downstairs to give us a few days off!
‘I have no words. It’s unbelievable. Becoming champions with this club is incredible.’
Captain Jordan Henderson praised Klopp for revolutionising the club, saying: ‘It wouldn’t be possible to do it without the manager.
‘From day one he changed everything. We all followed him.
‘What you see is what you get, with his press conferences and on the sidelines.
‘Obviously he has got more of a personal side with the players, but he has got a balance of having a relationship with the players and being a friend but also being a bit ruthless when he needs to be.
‘He is a great leader and a great human being and we all believe in him. To be honest, I’m lost for words.
‘You never really think of this moment. When this moment comes I can’t really describe it. It’s another moment in our lives that we’ll never forget.
‘It feels amazing. I’m so happy for all the boys. The club, the whole city. I am so proud of what we achieved.’
Before his triumphant team-mates pounced on him, Van Dijk told BT Sport: ‘It’s incredible to be part of this group of players.
Last season we won the Champions League and this year, especially in the Premier League, we have taken it to a different level. We have been so consistent and doing so well.
‘It’s a fantastic feeling. From the moment I’ve joined it’s one team, everyone is part of it, from the people that work at Melwood, in the stadium and the players of course.
‘We all want the same thing. Off the pitch we have a bond which is outstanding as well.’
Liverpool’s last top-flight triumph came in 1990 but they won the title at a canter this time, completing the job with a 23-point lead over Manchester City and seven matches to spare.
Dalglish, who was their manager when they lifted the First Division trophy, watched the players start the party and said: ‘I’m very pleased for everybody connected with the football club. Jurgen has done a fantastic job.
‘The highlight has been the camaraderie within the team and the way everyone has helped the team.
‘We have many more happy days to look forward to as long as Jurgen is here. Liverpool from top to bottom in the football club have been fantastically supportive. You know how much it means. Jurgen Klopp epitomises everything that this football club is about. Onwards and upwards.’
Klopp dedicated the title to Dalglish and club legend Steven Gerrard, who praised his former boss and club owners Fenway Sports Group on Instagram.
The former Reds captain wrote: ‘Congratulations to all on winning the premier league.
Premier League
Arsenal Paint London Red with Premier League Victory Parade Despite Champions League Heartbreak
Thousands of jubilant Arsenal supporters flooded the streets of north London on Sunday as the club celebrated its first Premier League title in 22 years, putting aside the disappointment of losing the UEFA Champions League final just 24 hours earlier.
The celebrations came less than a day after Arsenal suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest. Yet the setback did little to dampen the spirits of the club’s faithful, who turned out in huge numbers to honour a historic domestic triumph.
Players and coaching staff paraded through north London aboard an open-top bus, proudly displaying the Premier League trophy that Arsenal had finally reclaimed for the first time since Arsène Wenger’s legendary “Invincibles” side lifted it in the 2003-04 season.
Arsenal had wrapped up the title before the final round of fixtures after establishing an unassailable lead over defending champions Manchester City, who eventually finished seven points adrift of Mikel Arteta’s side.
The league crown marked Arsenal’s first major trophy since Arteta guided the club to FA Cup success in 2020 during his debut season as manager. It also ended years of frustration after the Gunners had finished runners-up in the Premier League in each of the previous three seasons.
Red flares, fireworks and the sound of vuvuzelas filled the air as supporters celebrated a long-awaited return to the summit of English football.
“We’re not European champions, but we are champions of England, and that’s what matters right now,” said Arsenal supporter Julien Guillenenat. “We’re happy to celebrate with everyone.”
Another fan, 44-year-old Mathieu Garnier, believes the Premier League triumph has finally removed the psychological burden that had weighed heavily on the team.
“Three years in a row we finished second, and now that pressure is gone,” he said. “These players are going to be flying next season. I really believe that.”
Adding to the festivities was Arsenal’s women’s team, who joined the celebrations after their successful FIFA Champions Cup campaign this season.
Midfielder Declan Rice, signed from West Ham United in 2023 for a club-record £105 million, said the title triumph had silenced many of the club’s critics.
“People were pointing and laughing at us before,” Rice told Sky Sports. “What happened? They’re not laughing anymore. I love this team, I love this manager, and to see the joy we’ve brought to the fans is incredible.
“Next season we’re coming back for more.”
Despite the pain of falling short in Europe, many Arsenal supporters remain optimistic that the club will soon challenge again for continental glory.
Twenty-two-year-old fan Theo Grant believes the Champions League disappointment will only strengthen the squad’s resolve.
“Honestly, this loss will give the players even more motivation,” he said. “We’ll be back. I believe we’ll reach the final again next season.”
For Arsenal supporters, however, Sunday was not about what might have been in Europe. It was about celebrating the end of a 22-year wait to be crowned champions of England once again.
JOIN THE SPORTS VILLAGE SQUARE CHANNEL ON WHATSAPP:
Tottenham Hotspur lost 2-1 at Chelsea on Tuesday and still face the risk of relegation from the Premier League in their final game of the season this weekend after goals either side of halftime from the home side’s Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos.
Fernandez let rip with a dipping shot from over 25 metres that Antonin Kinsky could not get close to in the 18th minute, electrifying the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge as the home fans revelled in the misery of their North London rivals.
The Argentina midfielder turned provider for Chelsea’s second goal in the 67th, cushioning a high ball into the feet of Santos, who scored from close range.
Richarlison got one back for Spurs in the 74th minute, but the defeat means Tottenham remain two points above West Ham United, who currently occupy the last relegation spot.
However, Spurs have a much better goal difference, meaning a draw at home to Everton on Sunday would all but guarantee their Premier League survival.
Chelsea, fresh from announcing former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso as their next manager after a limp 2025/26 campaign, climbed to eighth place, which offers a berth in the UEFA Conference League next season
The Blues, who lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, are one point behind Brighton & Hove Albion, who currently occupy the last of the Europa League spots.
Spurs had only themselves to blame for Tuesday’s defeat.
After Mathys Tel hit the post with a header in the 11th minute, they allowed Chelsea to dominate until Richarlison’s goal raised their hopes of rescuing the point they needed.
Substitute James Maddison looked sure to equalise in the 84th, but Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato stretched out a leg to block his angled shot.
The win was Chelsea’s first in the Premier League since March 4, giving their fans something to celebrate after a miserable run that included six consecutive league defeats.
It also means Spurs have only won once at Stamford Bridge since 1990.
-Reuters
Visit the Sports Village Square Channel:
https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Arsenal F.C. have been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City F.C. were held to a 1-1 draw by AFC Bournemouth, ending the most dramatic title race of recent seasons and completing a remarkable transformation under manager Mikel Arteta.
The title triumph marks Arsenal’s first league championship since the legendary “Invincibles” side led by Arsène Wenger went unbeaten throughout the 2003-04 campaign.
For Arteta, it represents the crowning moment of a rebuilding project that began when he replaced Unai Emery in December 2019. The Spaniard inherited a struggling Arsenal side but gradually rebuilt the club into genuine title contenders, guiding them to second-place finishes in each of the previous three seasons before finally ending Manchester City’s dominance.
Arsenal appeared in danger of suffering another late collapse after surrendering a nine-point lead earlier in the campaign, particularly following City’s crucial victory over them at the Etihad Stadium in April.
However, the momentum shifted again when City stumbled with a draw against Everton, allowing Arsenal to seize control of the race.
The North London club responded impressively, winning four consecutive matches without conceding a goal, including Monday’s tense 1-0 victory over Burnley F.C. that piled pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side heading into their trip to Bournemouth.
City’s failure to secure victory finally confirmed Arsenal as champions, triggering emotional celebrations among supporters gathered around the Emirates Stadium.
Fans watching the decisive match in nearby pubs poured onto the streets at the final whistle, while thousands more marched toward the Emirates within minutes of the title being secured.
Arteta had admitted before the match that he expected it to be difficult watching City’s game because of the enormous stakes involved, but the Spaniard ultimately witnessed the completion of one of the most significant managerial achievements in modern Arsenal history.
The Gunners will officially receive the Premier League trophy after their final game of the season against Crystal Palace F.C. at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Arsenal’s triumph could yet become part of an even greater achievement.
The club now have the opportunity to complete a historic double when they face Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in the UEFA Champions League final on May 30.
Only five English clubs have previously managed to win both the league title and the European Cup in the same season, with Manchester City the last side to achieve the feat in 2023.
The title success also signals a changing of the guard in English football.
With Guardiola expected to leave Manchester City after a decade in charge, Arteta — once his assistant at City — is poised to become the longest-serving manager across England’s top four divisions, underlining how dramatically his status has risen since arriving at Arsenal less than seven years ago.
Visit the Sports Village Square Channel:
Miracle-Seeking Fans Turn Soccer ‘Baby Jesus’ Into Symbol of Mexico’s World Cup Hopes
Ronaldo eyes historic milestone as Portugal face DR Congo
Debutants Uzbekistan ready for World Cup bow against Colombia
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- International Football1 week ago
Eriksen Suffers Fresh Collapse During Denmark Friendly, Reviving Memories of Euro 2020 Ordeal
- World Cup1 week ago
Iran’s World Cup team arrive in Tijuana with US tensions high
- International Football1 week ago
Iwobi Salutes Nigerians Ahead of Landmark 100th Super Eagles Appearance
- World Cup2 days ago
Back in Canada After 39 Years: A Return to Where the Journey Began
- World Cup1 week ago
Nine injured in shooting near England’s World Cup base camp
- WAFCON1 week ago
Falcons Truly Super in 3-0 Defeat of Senegal in Ikenne
- World Cup3 days ago
Atlas Lions Roar Again: Morocco Hold Five-Time Champions, Brazil In Another World Cup Statement
- World Cup4 days ago
Ghana Protests Canada’s Visa Denial to Thomas Partey Ahead of World Cup Clash