Looking for Soccer News?

Virgil van Dijk has declared that Liverpool took their season to "another level" after claiming a long-awaited Premier League title. 

Having missed out on the trophy by a single point to Manchester City last year, the Reds have dominated this campaign with City's 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Thursday handing Jurgen Klopp's side the title with seven games to play. 

Liverpool have lost just one game and drawn two others in the league this season with the club on course to set a new Premier League points record.

Van Dijk has been key to the Reds' success on the pitch with his side conceding a league low 21 goals across 31 matches so far this season. 

As Klopp's side began their title celebrations, Van Dijk quickly reflected on what Liverpool had achieved this season and how they managed to up their game after falling short in the league last year. 

"It's unbelievable, what a season. We've been incredible," Van Dijk told BT Sport.

"To be part of this group of players and part of this journey is incredible and I am very proud to be able to call myself a Premier League winner.

"Of course, I watched the [Man City/Chelsea] game. I don't watch too many games but the game felt like it was taking ages and never ended. When the free-kick went in from Kevin [De Bruyne] - what an incredible goal by the way - I was getting nervous, and I haven't been nervous in a while.

"But after that it was just celebration time and we are all proud of each other. I can't really describe the feeling to be honest.

"In the league this year we have taken it to another level. We have been so consistent and played so well."

Liverpool are now hoping to convince Klopp for a few days off to celebrate with their next game against Manchester City set to kick off at the Etihad Stadium on July 2. 

Guardiola was quick to pay tribute to the Reds after losing to Chelsea, admitting his side failed to match the level of passion the title winners showed in every match this season. 

Robbie Fowler suggested Jurgen Klopp should be Liverpool's new "God" after the club clinched their first league title since 1990.

The Reds were crowned Premier League champions on Thursday after Manchester City fell to a 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Fowler, who earned the nickname 'God' during his Liverpool career, joked he was ready to hand that over to manager Klopp.

"I think I'm going to have to relinquish this God shout now, give it on to Jurgen. Jurgen can be called 'God' now, can't he?" he told Optus Sport .

"I'll let him have that, I'll let him have it.

"I honestly feel brilliant, I know we haven't played for Liverpool for a long time but to be here and witnessing what we've witnessed, it's absolutely incredible, it really is."

Since taking over at Liverpool in 2015, Klopp has led the club to a Premier League title, Champions League crown and UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup trophies.

Fowler, who is now coach of A-League club Brisbane Roar, lauded the German's man management.

"Since Jurgen's been there, I think the belief that he has given the players and they really go into every game believing that they will win, believing that no one can touch them," he said.

"He's got the attitude absolutely spot on. What he said four years ago that he's going to bring the Premier League to this club, he's absolutely nailed it. In four years, he's been in the Europa League final, he's been in a Champions League final twice, obviously they've won it once, and now the Premier League.

"I think the belief that he's instilled into them players has been nothing short of just a phenomenal bit of man management."

Captain Jordan Henderson also paid tribute to Klopp on the night, calling him "a great leader and a great human being".

"What you see is what you get, with his press conferences and on the sidelines," Henderson told  Sky Sports .

“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. We have got an amazing group and that is down to the manager and how he has gelled them all together. It's not a coincidence and it's credit to him and all the staff."

Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are “different class”, according to Frank Lampard – who says he thinks Manchester City play the best football of any team.

Lampard’s Chelsea team beat City 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to hand Liverpool their long-awaited maiden Premier League title on Thursday.

The Blues were deserved winners, leading through Christian Pulisic and winning the game through Willian’s penalty after Kevin De Bruyne had levelled the scores with a magical free-kick.

“It was tough,” Lampard told BT Sport.

“When you come up against a team of Manchester City’s quality – in individuals, in the way they’re coached – for me, they’re the best, in terms of the way they play football, so great to watch.

“Pep and Jurgen Klopp are different class, hence why Liverpool are winning the league tonight!

“We had to work every bit that we ccould to try and get a result. We had to work defensively so, so hard and we did it, and we created the better chances on the night.”

Lampard was happy to see his side make City pay for their mistakes on the night.

Benjamin Mendy was shown up by Pulisic for the first goal, before Fernandinho saw red to give Willian the opportunity to win the game after handballing on the line.

“You always try and limit your errors, which there have been issues with at times, and you always try and capitalise [on your opponents’] but when you’ve got pace and you’ve got players like Christian who can get away from people and drive with the ball, you can do that,” Lampard said.

“We’ve had the ball more than any team I think, regularly this season in games, the bigger percentage.

“But today against Manchester City when they play a false nine and they’ve got bodies in midfield, it’s really tough so we had to tweak a little bit at half-time, suffer in the first 20 minutes of the second half, but I think we deserved the win on chances.”

The Blues boss was also keen to praise the late contribution of substitute Tammy Abraham.

“Olly [Olivier Giroud] has been great for us but when you think about attributes and I knew we were suffering and we needed an outlet.

“Maybe to press a bit higher up the pitch, it’s a lot of work we’re asking for from the players but at any moment you need your subs and you need people to come on fresh and bring energy to the team and I thought Tammy did that.”

Belgian club Genk have announced the permanent signing of Eboue Kouassi from Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

The 22-year-old midfielder joined the Bhoys in January 2017 for a fee around £3 million from Russian Premier League side Krasnodar.

The Ivorian only made 22 appearances for Neil Lennon’s Celtic before he moved to the Belgian side on loan in January.

Kouassi only featured four times for Genk in the 2019-20 season owing to injury problem and the outbreak of the coronavirus which forced the Belgian First Division A to an abrupt conclusion.

On Thursday, the Blue-White heralded the permanent signing of the midfielder after agreeing to a four-year deal with the side, which will keep him at Luminus Arena until 2024. 

The Ivorian will permanently link up with Nigeria duo of Paul Onuachu and Stephen Odey and Ghana’s Joseph Paintsil.

Since his January move, the midfielder has played against Oostende, Club Brugge, Kortrijk and Sporting Charleroi.

Genk, who finished seventh in the 2019-20 season, will hope the addition of the midfielder will help them compete for the league title next season. 

Kouassi started his career in Ivory Coast, joining Academie Symbiose Foot d'Abobo in 2010 before moving to Shirak in 2014.

The midfielder later departed the Armenian club after a short spell to team up with the youth setup of Krasnodar and in 2016 he was promoted to the first team of the Russian side.  

On the international scene, Kouassi is yet to feature for Ivory Coast and will hope to impress with his Belgian club to boost his chances with the Elephants.

Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is hoping a few beers could be enough to sway Jurgen Klopp to give the side a few days off after they wrapped up the Premier League title . 

After Manchester City lose 2-1 to Chelsea on Thursday , the Reds secured their first league title since 1990, having themselves smashed Crystal Palace 4-0 the day prior. 

With Liverpool's next game not until July 2 against Pep Guardiola's side, the squad are hoping to enjoy a few days of celebrating and Robertson is hopeful Klopp will grant them some time off with a bit of encouragement. 

"We're still trying to convince the boss downstairs to give us a few days off! Give him a couple more beers and I think we'll get two days off," Andy Robertson joked to  Match of the Day .

"We won’t tell you the exact location but we are all in a hotel together as a team. We thought something hopefully special was going to happen and that’s how it turned out.

"We went a bit crazy but the place went a bit silent when [Kevin] De Bruyne bagged a worldie free-kick. Luckily Chelsea reacted off that.

"The place went wild and we could sit back and enjoy the last five minutes."

Klopp was also nervously watching the City game and admitted afterwards he was overwhelmed to see his side end the club's considerable league drought. 

Reds veteran James Milner, meanwhile, stressed the title win was spurred on by the club falling short last season and declared they won't be looking to pull their punches next season either. 

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

"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."

Liverpool still have seven league games to play this season and would end the campaign with a Premier League records 107 points should they win every one of those matches.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson paid tribute to Jurgen Klopp after the Reds clinched the Premier League title, saying the German “changed everything” when he arrived at the club in 2015.

Five years after arriving in England, Klopp has cemented his status as a legend of English football by delivering Liverpool their first title in 30 years.

One of the players most transformed during his tenure has been the former Sunderland midfielder Henderson, who has emerged as a Player of the Season contender this campaign.

Speaking immediately after Manchester City lost at Chelsea to hand Liverpool the title, Henderson struggled to find the words to describe his emotions.

"It is amazing,” Henderson told Sky Sports. “I didn't want to talk about it until this moment.

“I'm so happy for all the boys. I'm just a bit overwhelmed and it's an amazing feeling. I'm so proud of what we have achieved.”

Liverpool’s squad and some staff were able to watch the Manchester City game together, with scenes of their celebrations making for popular viewing on social media.

"There was a lot of emotion and it was a different experience watching the game, and then to be with everyone and all the staff at the final whistle,” Henderson added.

“It was a moment we will never forget. I'm just lost for words at the minute. It hasn't really sunk in, you never really think of this end moment, you are just concentrating on each game. When this moment comes, I cannot really describe it.

"After the Champions League final, I said it wouldn't be possible to win it without the manager, and that is no disrespect to the managers before him, but I felt from day one he came in the door he changed everything and we have all followed him.

“So far, it has been very special and I hope we can stay hungry and keep wanting more.

"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. We have got an amazing group and that is down to the manager and how he has gelled them all together. It's not a coincidence and it's credit to him and all the staff."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has described the personality at which Eddie Nketiah plays as ‘incredible’.

The forward of Ghanaian descent found the net as the Gunners ended their two-game losing streak in their 2-0 triumph over Southampton on Thursday.

20 minutes into the encounter, Alex McCarthy fetched a back pass which he gifted to Nketiah under pressure – with the 21-year-old tapping into an empty net.

In the process, he extended his fine goalscoring run this term netting six goals in his eleventh start of the season – with four of them coming for the Emirates Stadium giants, and two coming for Leeds United.

Substitute Joe Willock put the result beyond doubt with four minutes left to play after pouncing on another McCarthy blunder.

Speaking after the game, the Gunners’ boss expressed his delight with Nketiah who he feels made the biggest impression.

“Eddie, since I joined, the maturity and the personality that he plays every game with is incredible,” Arteta said during the post-match as reported by Arsenal website.

“I demand a lot of our forward players to put the opponent under pressure and they've done it. A lot of the goals we score are because of the errors that we force on the opponent.

“In that heat, to keep chasing players and putting them under pressure, sometimes it's not a really nice thing to do.

“But obviously when you get a goal from the mistakes they've made - which could have caused a few more goals - it's really important. It generates belief in what they do and it pays the price for the effort.

“I am happy with Eddie, the way he's played again today, but I'm happy in general with the team. I'm really happy with the subs, the way they came in and helped the team together with the result and the attitude that they showed.”

Thanks to this result, Arsenal climbed to ninth in the English elite division log with 43 points from 31 games. They travel to Sheffield United for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

After that, they host relegation-threatened Norwich City on Wednesday.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that his side’s chase for a third successive Premier League title lacked “passion” as Liverpool were confirmed as champions on Thursday.

A 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge confirmed the Anfield club would end a 30-year wait to become champions of England, with the title having long been inevitable given their massive advantage at the summit of the standings.

Guardiola has said that the drive shown by the Reds for success this season was not matched by his side, but he did point out that the last eight domestic trophies have been returned to the Etihad Stadium while he also cited a weakness at centre-back.

“We won eight titles in a row which had never happened before in this country,” he told the media. “It can happen to miss one. We lost Vincent Kompany to Anderlecht and had Aymeric Laporte injured. 

“After we won those titles maybe we didn't have the same passion as Liverpool.

“After two seasons the gap is big. We were not consistent like the previous seasons. Liverpool won the Champions League and were given confidence. They played every game like it was their last game. In the beginning, we didn't play like that way.

“Congratulations to Liverpool for this great season. We still have five or six weeks to play but we won a lot in the last few years and of course we want to close the gap.

“We cannot forget we are still second in the league so we are better than a lot of the teams.”

Guardiola reflected positively upon City’s performance in defeat at Chelsea, a fixture lit up by a fine Kevin De Bruyne free kick, but the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was left to rue critical errors. 

“In terms of the game, we played good. Not a lot of pressure in the box. But we play in general a good game but our mistakes...” he lamented to BT Sport .

City will seek to pick themselves up with a fixture against Newcastle on Thursday before they play host to the new champions next Thursday in a game that will offer them a chance to restore some pride.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has described his side’s Premier League title win as “unbelievable” after watching Manchester City lose 2-1 to Chelsea on Thursday. 

That result combined with the Reds' recent 4-0 demolition of Crystal Palace to hand Klopp's side the trophy with seven games left to play this season. 

After falling short of the title by one point to Pep Guardiola's men last year, Liverpool left nothing to chance this campaign and have won 28 of their 31 league games so far. 

The Reds' last league title dated back to 1990, while this marks Klopp's third league trophy, having won the Bundesliga twice with Borussia Dortmund. 

Having watched City's decisive clash against Chelsea, Klopp was left pinching himself after realising his side had wrapped up the league title with the German coach quick to dedicate the success to club legends, while also encouraging fans to still keep their distance as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. 

"It is unbelievable. It's much more than I ever thought would be possible," Klopp told Sky Sports.

"Knowing how much Kenny [Dalglish] supported us, it is for you. He has waited 30 years and it's for Stevie [Gerrard]. The boys admire you all and it's easy to motivate the team because of our great history.

"It was really tense for 100 minutes of the City game, I didn't really want to be involved but you are when you watch it. It's an incredible achievement by my players and it's a huge joy for me to coach them.

"I haven't waited 30 years, I have been here for four and a half years, but it is quite an achievement, especially with the three-month break because nobody knew if we could go on.

"The game last night gave me the feeling we would be fine and tonight is for the fans. I hope you stay at home, and it's a joy to do it for you. It [the pandemic] is not over yet and we watched the game together at the hotel so we will enjoy the moment.

"I know it is difficult for people in this moment but we could not hold back. We will enjoy this with our supporters when we can.

He added: "I'm completely overwhelmed. I never thought it would be like this. I had no idea." 

Liverpool now have a full week to celebrate with their next league clash against Manchester City due to be played on July 2 at the Etihad. 

Liverpool will go down as one of the best teams in Premier League history, according to former striker Michael Owen.

Jurgen Klopp's side were crowned champions on Thursday after Manchester City fell to a 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It marked Liverpool's first league title since 1990, and they are on track to set a record for the most points in a Premier League season.

Owen, who scored more than 150 goals for the club across eight seasons, paid tribute to Klopp and his team.

"Quite unbelievable. They're such a good team, it's such a good club, it's been waiting for this moment for such a long time," he told Optus Sport.

"Jurgen Klopp, what an absolute legend of a manager he's gone down as. European champions and now they've got the one that they wanted all that time, Premier League champions, it's just what everybody's wanted for such a long time and I'm sure Merseyside is absolutely bouncing at the moment and so it should be.

"The players deserve immense credit, it's been a tough season but they've been far and away the best team, the stats will prove that, it'll go down in history as one of the best Premier League teams that we have seen.

"Jurgen Klopp, he's just taken this team to new heights so 30, 40 years ago when Liverpool had great teams, I think Merseyside is unbelievably proud of what they've got now."

Another former Reds forward, Sir Kenny Dalglish, also paid tribute to Klopp and his side after City's defeat.

"The last two years and since Jurgen's come in has been very positive,” Dalglish told BT Sport. “He's been fantastic and epitomises everything Liverpool Football Club stands for. Whatever they got, they have deserved it.

"Onwards and upwards. We have a lot more happy days to look forward to as long as Jurgen is here."

Liverpool hold an unassailable 23-point lead atop the table with seven matches left to play.

Their next game will see them receive a guard of honour from toppled champions City, as they travel to the Etihad Stadium on July 2.

Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has predicted more happy days ahead for the club following their first Premier League title – as long as Jurgen Klopp sticks around.

The Reds thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0 on Wednesday and took their first English title in 30 years as Manchester City lost at Chelsea on Thursday .

Liverpool are now champions of England, champions of Europe and champions of the world – and Dalglish has loved every minute.

"The last two years and since Jurgen's come in has been very positive,” Dalglish told BT Sport .

“He's been fantastic and epitomises everything Liverpool Football Club stands for. Whatever they got, they have deserved it.

"Onwards and upwards. We have a lot 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. It's hard work to dominate the English league beside quality like Manchester City, by the way!"

He added:  "I'm very pleased for everybody connected with the football club. Jurgen [Klopp] 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."

Former Reds player and manager Dalglish was speaking on a video call from his home, and toasted Liverpool’s victory with a glass of champagne.

"I remember Bob Paisley said once after winning the European Cup, he never had a drink because he wanted to remember the occasion,” he said.

"Well, I never took his advice!"

Liverpool’s victory came in poetic fashion through Chelsea’s win. There were memories of the 2013-14 season, when Chelsea’s win over Liverpool helped City win back momentum and win the title race after Steven Gerrard’s famous slip.

City weren’t at their best without Sergio Aguero and went in behind at the break following Christian Pulisic’s well-taken breakaway goal.

A sensational Kevin De Bruyne free-kick brought Pep Guardiola’s side level, but Fernandinho was sent off for a handball on the goal line with Willian – who scored Chelsea’s second against Liverpool in 2014 – dispatching the decisive penalty.

With 28 wins from their 31 games so far, Liverpool now have their eye on a record-breaking season, with City’s 100-point record well within their grasp.

Liverpool’s first game as champions comes on Thursday, July 2 – away at Manchester City.

For the first time in 30 years, Liverpool are Premier League champions.

Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday meant that the Reds were finally unassailable at the summit of the standings, having dominated the division throughout the season.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have dropped only seven points in 31 matches this season and have claimed the title with seven games to spare, while it remains possible that they will shatter the 100-points barrier and set a new record for points won in a league season.

Although there was some doubt as to whether the season would even be completed due to the coronavirus suspension, which saw play halted in England’s top flight for three months, there was rarely any prospect of City catching their rivals, with manager Pep Guardiola having long admitted that the Anfield side were out of reach at the summit of the standings.

The 2019 Champions League winners have averaged over two goals scored per game, but it has been their defensive record that has differentiated them from the pack, with only 21 conceded over the course of a season, in which few would argue that they have not been thoroughly deserving champions

And so Liverpool have won their first title of the Premier League era, and unsurprisingly the club, former players and its fans have been quick to celebrate the achievement of Klopp & Co. via social media.

And even rivals were gracious in defeat.

Meanwhile, the unusual circumstances the title was ultimately sealed in were pointed out.

Arsenal's 'Invincibles' team were Premier League champions in 2003, becoming the first side to win the league undefeated, but their total of 90 points does not come close to scratching the surface of record-breaking points totals.

Liverpool's exhilarating title win this season might threaten the Gunners' 'Invincibles' legacy, but that is not the only record that could be broken.

So which team holds the record for most points won in the Premier League era?

What is the Premier League record points total?

Manchester City became the first Premier League side to amass 100 points when they won the 2017-18 title.

Pep Guardiola's side were dubbed "Centurions" and deemed the greatest side to ever win the Premier League when they finished the season on 100 points, losing twice and drawing four games.

The Citizens broke numerous records that campaign, including registering the best goal difference (+79), the most away wins (16), the most away points (50), the most wins (32) and the biggest points gap to second place (19 points ahead of Manchester United).

The previous record points total for Premier League winners was held by Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in 2005, who were champions with 95 points.

Guardiola registered the second-best Premier League finish when he won a second successive title in 2019 on 98 points – just two points behind his previous season's total.

Liverpool finished as runners-up in 2018-19 on an excruciating 97 points, which would have earned them the Premier League title in every season prior to 2018.

Can Liverpool beat Man City's record points total?

The Reds are on course to demolish Man City's total of 100 points in the Premier League, despite a shock 3-0 loss to Watford in February that ended their unbeaten streak.

They could finish the season on an incredible 107 points should they win all of their remaining matches.

Liverpool have blown the Premier League away this season in their charge for a first title in 30 years, setting a 22-point lead over their second-placed rivals, and could become the fastest top-flight side in history to be crowned champions.

Their victory over Tottenham in January saw them surpass Manchester City's best start to a season after 21 matches.

Furthermore, Jurgen Klopp's side could go on to lose two matches and still defeat City's points total – as long as they win their remaining fixtures.

Premier League records points totals

*Denotes a 42-game season instead of a 38-game season

**Premier League champions only

Liverpool are Premier League champions after Manchester City were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Pep Guardiola's side had the chance to prolong the Reds' 30-year wait at least until the two sides meet at the Etihad Stadium next week, but the title was within touching distance when Christian Pulisic gave Frank Lampard's side a 36th-minute lead.

Kevin De Bruyne's spectacular free-kick brought City level and Raheem Sterling hit the post, but their vulnerability on the break was eventually punished when Fernandinho handled in a desperate 75th-minute goalmouth scramble.

The veteran Brazil international was sent off and his countryman Willian sealed the points and crowned Jurgen Klopp's dominant league winners.

Kepa Arrizabalaga acrobatically pushed Fernandinho's header from Riyad Mahrez's free-kick over the crossbar amid a controlled opening half-hour from City.

Ederson saved well from Pulisic and Andreas Christensen in quick succession at the other end, and he merited better protection when Chelsea took the lead.

Poor communication between Ilkay Gundogan and Benjamin Mendy and the latter's botched recovery tackle that left Pulisic in the clear to finish coolly.

There was questionable wisdom in Mendy seeking to atone for his errors by shooting frequently from distance early in the second half.

In the 55th minute, De Bruyne added finesse to that tactic with a sumptuous dipping free-kick after N'Golo Kante clumsily fouled Mahrez.

A one-touch counter-attack then ended with Sterling dinking against the post, with Chelsea's efforts noticeably more laboured.

Ederson launched that attack but a poor pass out was almost punished as Mason Mount thumped into the side netting.

City's slick dominance of the ball but creaky defence lent an intriguing balance to the final quarter of the contest – Sterling curling agonisingly wide before Kyle Walker somehow got back to improbably deny Pulisic a second on the goal line.

Fernandinho was unable to be so precise when denying Tammy Abraham, leaving Willian to send Ederson the wrong way and prompt celebrations on Merseyside.

What does it mean: Chelsea take important step towards the Champions League

Although most of the focus was understandable on the main consequence of this Chelsea victory, it was a huge three points for the Stamford Bridge side. Their five-point advantage over a resurgent Manchester United in fifth is restored, while a wobbling Leicester City are now just a point better off with seven matches remaining.

De Bruyne shows his class once again

It feels like a trick of the mind that City won a thrilling title battle last season with De Bruyne reduced to a bit-part role by two medial knee ligament injuries. He has performed at a level above his colleagues this time around, with his free-kick here another champagne moment that adds weight to his case for end-of-season honours.

Mendy's moment to forget

In the build-up to this match, Mendy spoke of how this was his "time" and how he wanted to show people "the real Mendy" following his injury nightmare. Presumably, the slapstick version on display for Chelsea's opener was not what he had in mind. Guardiola needs a more reliable left-back next season, in terms of both form and fitness.

Key Opta Facts

- This is the third of the past six Premier League seasons to see the title decided in a match played at Stamford Bridge (Chelsea v Crystal Palace in 2014-15 and Chelsea v Tottenham in 2015-16), and the fourth of those six to be decided in a game involving Chelsea (also West Brom v Chelsea in 2016-17).
- Chelsea have won back-to-back Premier League home games against Manchester City for the first time since the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.
- Pep Guardiola suffered his fourth defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – across all competitions, the only away venue he has lost as many games at in his managerial career is Anfield (four against Liverpool).
- This was the 11th time this season that Manchester City have conceded the opening goal in a Premier League game – three more than in the previous two seasons combined (five in 2017-18 and three in 2018-19).
- Christian Pulisic scored his seventh goal of the Premier League season; the most of any player in the competition aged 21 or under.
- Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne became the first player to reach double figures for both goals (10) and assists (16) in the Premier League this season.

What's next?

Liverpool will emerge at the Etihad Stadium as champions, with the main bit of pre-match intrigue now set to revolve around whether a guard of honour is workable in the age of social distancing. Before that, City and Chelsea have away FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday at Newcastle United and Leicester respectively.

Geoffrey Kondogbia scored an own goal in Valencia’s 1-0 loss to Eibar in Thursday’s La Liga game at Municipal de Ipurua.

The 27-year-old defensive midfielder was handed his 17th league start in the encounter but his error ensures his side failed to secure points away from home.

After securing victory against Osasuna last weekend, Valencia aimed to build on the impressive performance and dominated the opening minutes.

Their effort, however, failed to pay off as Central African Republic international Kondogbia puts the ball past his own goalkeeper in the 16th minute.

The own goal proved decisive as the Gunsmiths rebuffed every attempt of Valencia, who continued to dominate possession, to level proceedings.

The Bats further suffered another blow with few minutes to play when Eliaquim Mangala was sent off after picking his second yellow card in the game.

Kondogbia featured throughout the encounter while Eibar midfielder and Senegal international Pape Diop was an unused substitute.  

With the defeat, Valencia are eighth on the league table with 46 points from 31 games after 12 wins, 10 draws and nine losses.

The defeat against Eibar also compounded the woes of Albert Celades’ men, who have only won one game in their last six outings.

Kondogbia, who started his professional career with Nandy, has played for Lens, Sevilla and Monaco before joining Inter Milan in 2015.

The midfielder left the Italian giants in 2018 to team up with Valencia permanently, after impressing during his loan spells with the side.

Kondogbia has made 26 appearances, scoring two goals for the Mestalla outfit across all competitions in this campaign.

The midfielder will hope to turn from villain to hero when his side takes on Samuel Chukwueze’s Villarreal in their next league game on June 28.

Liverpool have ended their long wait to be crowned Premier League champions after Manchester City's 2-1 loss at Chelsea left them with an unassailable lead. 

The Reds' first league title since 1990 was confirmed on Thursday, after Pep Guardiola's side failed to win at Stamford Bridge. 

Christian Pulisic's goal had given Chelsea to lead before a wonderful Kevin De Bruyne sparked hopes of a comeback, but Fernandinho's late red card led to a coolly converted penalty to win the game - and gift Liverpool league glory.

With seven games remaining, it is the earliest any side has ever won the Premier League title, with Jurgen Klopp's men surpassing the achievements of Manchester United in 2000-01 and Manchester City's 'centurions' of 2017-18. Both of those teams clinched the league with five games left.

Liverpool had moved to the brink of the title with a 4-0 battering of Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday, and their lead of 23 points at the top of the table is the largest held by a champion in English top-flight history. 

Klopp's side will now look to write even more history. They need 15 points from their last seven matches to set a new record points total for a top-flight campaign, and can also become the first team to win every single home game in a single season. 

They will be given a guard of honour in their next fixture, which coincidentally comes against City at the Etihad Stadium next Thursday. Guardiola's side, champions in each of the last two seasons, have been unable to match Liverpool's remarkable, relentless form.

The tone was set from the very start, Klopp's side winning each of their opening eight league games to open up a significant gap on the chasing pack.

That run ended with a draw at Manchester United in October, but they responded to that setback in incredible fashion, winning their next 18 league games - including a 3-1 victory over City in November and a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing of second-placed Leicester on Boxing Day.

When they won 2-0 at West Ham on January 29, Liverpool had achieved another piece of history. For the first time ever, they had beaten each and every team in a top-flight league season. Their superiority was unarguable.

At that point, the hope was that they could match Arsenal's 'Invincibles' of 2003-04 and go through the entire league campaign unbeaten, but a shock 3-0 loss to Watford in late February put paid to that. 

Then came the ultimate spanner in the works, with the Premier League's suspension in mid-March due to the coronavirus crisis. Liverpool were 25 points clear at the pause, needing just six more in order to be crowned champions.

But they were made to wait as the world came to terms with the impact of Covid-19. Despite calls in some quarters to "null and void" the Premier League season, Klopp and his side were able to retain their focus throughout a period of lockdown, eventually returning to action last Sunday with a low-key goalless draw at Everton.

That led some to question, absurdly, whether they might be starting to wobble in sight of the finishing line, but they responded in fine style on Wednesday, thrashing Palace in what may well be their most convincing home performance of the entire season. 

Then, 24 hours later, came the moment of confirmation. Klopp, Goal understands, was watching at home as City failed to defeat fourth-placed Chelsea.

Maurizio Sarri says Gonzalo Higuain was especially touched by the events of the coronavirus pandemic, but he could feature for the first time since the resumption of the Italian season when Juventus host Lecce on Friday.

The Serie A leaders have the chance to extend their advantage over nearest rivals Lazio - who let slip a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Atalanta on Wednesday – with a victory over relegation-threatened opponents in Turin.

Juve marked their return to league action with a 2-0 triumph away at Bologna earlier this week having already played twice in the Coppa Italia, though Higuain played no part in any of the fixtures.

Sarri previously said the striker was missing due to a slight injury issue but has now revealed the Covid-19 pandemic has also had an impact on the player, although he is now training again with the rest of the squad.

"Higuain is a very sensitive person, he's been touched in a particular way from the events of the world and from his personal experiences," Sarri told the media.

"At the time of his return he thought it was not even right to go back to playing, while in addition he had this little injury.

"Now it seems to me that he is finding that desire he had at the beginning. For us, his return is important."

Juve will be glad to have Higuain back as the games come thick and fast following the restart.

Lazio's slip means the reigning champions are four points clear at the summit, though Sarri is taking nothing for granted with 11 games still to play in the league.

"The games are all difficult as physical conditions are not optimal. We'll need to be ready," the former Napoli boss said.

"We should not be looking at the other games but, instead, at our performances, which in the end will bring us the results.

"The league advantage isn't substantial as there are still 33 points up for grabs. We need to have the right mentality, always."

If Juventus do go on to win the Scudetto, it would be their ninth consecutive Serie A title, a run stretching back to the 2011-12 season.

KAS Eupen have confirmed an extension to Knowledge Musona’s loan deal which will see him remain at the club until the end of next season.

The striker arrived from another Belgian top-flight club Anderlecht on a temporary loan deal in the second half of last term, to provide Benat San Jose with more attacking options.

Musona who had previously featured for Oostende, impressed in his seven appearances for the Pandas – scoring twice before the season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It will be recalled he made a scoring league debut as they played out a 1-1 draw against SC Charleroi at the Kehrweg Stadium.

“Zimbabwean international Knowledge Musona will continue to play for KAS Eupen in the coming season,” a statement from Eupen website read.

“KAS Eupen has agreed with the RSC Anderlecht and Knowledge Musona to extend the loan of Knowledge Musona.

“The 30-year-old attacking player was loaned to KAS Eupen by RSC Anderlecht for the second half of the season at the beginning of the year.

“Before the championship stopped, the 27-time Zimbabwean international played seven games for KAS Eupen and scored 2 goals.

“He scored the first goal in his first encounter with KAS Eupen. In the Kehrweg Stadium, Knowledge Musona scored against SC Charleroi in the 10th minute to score 1-1.”

Before the loan deal was assured, Musona was tipped for a return to the Premier Soccer League with Mamelodi Sundowns and former club Kaizer Chiefs showing interest to land the veteran hitman, according to his agent Mike Makaab.

“There’s no team in South Africa that has enquired about Musona’s situation. We don’t know what will happen when the season resumes. Is he still interested in coming back to South Africa?” Makaab asked Isolezwe.

“I think any player will never have doubts to play in a league that’s stable and that’s why I can’t rule out a move back to the PSL.

“He has a good contract in terms of money with Anderlecht. He has worked hard for that. Therefore he can’t make huge changes in his salary.

“Well, there were South African teams [that showed interest in January] but there was nothing serious because we never sat down and discussed Musona.”

With this, the 30-year-old would be hoping to help the Pandas to a successful campaign next season, after a 13th-place finish this term.

Christian Pulisic’s opening goal for Chelsea against Manchester City pushed Liverpool to the brink of securing the Premier League title, with the former Jurgen Klopp protege jokingly being deemed a double-agent for his former manager in the process.

With a 23-point deficit at the summit of the standings, Pep Guardiola’s side need to win at Stamford Bridge if they are to continue their two-time defence of the crown, so the opening goal in the Blues’ favour was a hammer blow to their hopes of keeping the race alive before the sides clash at the weekend.

While the strike was expertly taken by U.S. international midfielder Pulisic, there were major qualms over the way the visiting side defended the situation.

With Benjamin Mendy and Ilkay Gundogan both back defending for City as they sought to recycle possession after a free kick was cleared by Chelsea, the France international left-back contrived to slip possession to Pulisic.

Gundogan was caught on his heels but Mendy recovered his ground only to dive in and allow his opponent to easily wriggle clear, and with just Ederson to beat, the home player showed a cool head to curl a shot into the corner of the net, putting City into a position from which they had to score twice to win.

Thanks to a stunning Kevin de Bruyne strike, Manchester City got back into the match, but a late penalty from Willian following a Fernandinho handball saw Chelsea earn the victory.

As a result, Liverpool were confirmed as the champions, winning the club's first title in 30 years. 

On social media, fans and pundits were quick to point out Klopp’s contribution to Pulisic’s career, with some jokingly suggesting the German had sent him to Stamford Bridge explicitly for the purpose of putting the seal on Liverpool’s title.