For all the razzamatazz there was something missing in Liverpool's title celebrations

Liverpool’s celebrations should have been different… for all the razzamatazz there was something missing but if they go on to draw level with Manchester United’s 20 titles, it will truly feel like old times

  • Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy after their thrilling win over Chelsea
  • If Reds have been lacklustre in recent weeks their usual zip and fizz was back  
  • Despite the razzamatazz you could not shake the feeling something was missing
  • If Liverpool draw level with Manchester United’s 20 title, it will feel like old times 

In many ways, it felt like old times. Outside Hotel Anfield, a hub that bounces on match days, they were singing their songs and enjoying the struggles of old rivals.

A giant television screen had been erected for locals and when West Ham took the lead at Old Trafford, the cheers were long and loud. Not as loud, though, as when the two executive buses carrying the Champions loomed into view. This was what they wanted to see.

There were flares and fireworks and plumes of red smoke made a corridor of colour for Liverpool’s arrival. It was a stark contrast to a month earlier, when Jurgen Klopp’s side had faced Crystal Palace, and there was barely a soul in the vicinity.

Liverpool put on a show both but the lack of fans was a stark reminder of strange times

Liverpool put on a show both but the lack of fans was a stark reminder of strange times

Quite what Klopp would have made of the scene, after urging Liverpool’s fans to exercise social distancing, keep safe and stay home, can only be surmised but there will certainly have been some disappointment.

He would not, however, have dwelt on it. Klopp had a team to prepare for a night of huge importance and when the game started, it also felt like old times. Chelsea arrived at Anfield in high spirits but within 35 minutes a Red tide had washed all over them.

If Liverpool have been a little lacklustre at times in recent weeks, dropping some unexpected points, the zip and fizz was back, embodied by the superb Naby Keita; Klopp had said he was “completely in competition mode” ahead of this fixture and that attitude had rubbed off on his squad.

Naby Keita was superb for the Reds and smashed a thunderous effort in off the bar

Naby Keita was superb for the Reds and smashed a thunderous effort in off the bar 

Keita was signed two years ago to provide dynamism from midfield and this, really, was the first time we have seen him produce the fireworks that were on show so regularly for RB Leipzig. 

His goal, battered in off the underside of the Anfield Road End crossbar, was fit for the occasion.

Had Liverpool turned up to their coronation in anything but their best, Klopp would have been boiling so to see them harrying Chelsea from left to right would have had him purring. It is worth noting that 367 days ago, he was preparing for this season with a fixture against Sevilla in Boston.

The players enjoyed a party even if viewers could not shake the feeling something was missing

The players enjoyed a party even if viewers could not shake the feeling something was missing

Perhaps Liverpool will have a double celebration in 12 months time if they win it again

Perhaps Liverpool will have a double celebration in 12 months time if they win it again 

The colour and the football, though, was distorting. This, really, was nothing like old times. The empty stands and the vast swathes of perimeter fencing starkly reminded you, again, that this is an unprecedented period.

When Liverpool were last presented with the league title, on a balmy Tuesday night in May 1990, the stadium was packed, the Kop paid an emotional tribute to Kenny Dalglish in what was the final game of his career and a scruffy game against Derby County ended in a 1-0 victory.

Yes, it was a celebration but it all felt very routine – the trophy lift from Alan Hansen, the lap of honour at the end; Liverpool were winning the title every other year, so why was there ever going to be a fuss?

It would really feel like old times if Liverpool could defend their crown for No 20 next season

It would really feel like old times if Liverpool could defend their crown for No 20 next season

This celebration should have been different. For all the razzamatazz, the music and pyrotechnics – more than £100,000 worth of fireworks were set to be detonated when Jordan Henderson reprised the role Hansen – you could not shake the feeling how something was missing.

Klopp has made it clear there will be a proper celebration when the time is right and the authorities allow it but you just wonder whether he will be planning for 12 months’ time, so it coincides with Liverpool retaining this title.

Only then, if Liverpool go on and win their 20th title – do not underestimate how much this squad wants to draw level with United’s tally – will it truly feel like old times.

source: dailymail.co.uk