The five matches that won Liverpool their 20th top flight title

It’s not nineteen forever. After a rampant 5-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Liverpool secured their 20th top-flight title in spectacular fashion in front of a jubilant Anfield crowd.

After taking over from the legendary Jürgen Klopp, few would have backed Arne Slot to win the Premier League in his first attempt. In fact, Opta only gave the Reds a 5.1% chance of winning England’s top division at the start of the campaign. Yet, with four games to spare, the Dutchman has become just the fifth manager in Premier League history to win the title in his inaugural season.

The tactical nous of Slot, combined with the genius of Mohamed Salah and the dominance of Virgil van Dijk, laid the foundations for Liverpool to draw level with their rivals Manchester United on 20 titles. Whilst a narrative has developed that the league’s quality has decreased compared to recent years, Liverpool have been efficient, professional, and simply better than the rest.

FromTheSpot looks back at the five defining moments that won Liverpool the Premier League title during a historic season of commanding victories, last-minute winners and iconic comebacks.

Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool: 1 September 2024, Old Trafford

After comfortable wins over Ipswich Town and Brentford, Arne Slot was presented with his first real test in England in Matchweek 3 of the Premier League as the Reds travelled to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.

Liverpool dismantled the Red Devils to maintain their perfect start to the season, with Mohamed Salah putting on an exhibition in creativity and finishing. The Egyptian set up Luis Díaz twice to cap off a resounding first half, before netting a third for Liverpool just before the hour mark.

Given the magnitude of the fixture and the impressive way in which Liverpool picked apart their great rivals, Slot proved immediately that he had the calibre to compete at the highest level. Whilst mentions of a title challenge were quiet at that point, it was an early sign of Liverpool’s quality and threat.

Liverpool 2-1 Brighton: 2 November 2024, Anfield

Heading into the 2024/25 season, Manchester City and Arsenal were the clear favourites to win the Premier League. However, Pep Guardiola has endured arguably the worst campaign of his managerial career, with nine league defeats so far. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s side have dropped points in 16 matches, failing to apply pressure to Liverpool at crucial stages of the season.

Matchweek 10 was certainly a pivotal weekend that shaped the title race. The Gunners had lost to Newcastle United, whilst Bournemouth stunned City to end their 32-match unbeaten run. Liverpool made sure they capitalised by securing three points in a frantic comeback at Anfield against Brighton.

Having gone 1-0 down after a poor first half, Cody Gakpo equalised for the Reds in the 70th minute. It took just 128 seconds for Liverpool to complete a quick-fire recovery as Mohamed Salah curled a stunning strike into the top corner to finish off a swift counter-attack.

Liverpool are a club renowned for many things, including memorable comebacks and electric atmospheres. Their revival against the Seagulls encapsulated the great power of Anfield, as the Kop seemingly sucked the ball into the net, sending their side to the top of the league.

Liverpool 2-0 Manchester City: 1 December 2024, Anfield

To become champions, you have to beat the champions. In years gone by, Liverpool have been pipped to the title by Manchester City by a single point and have looked back on games where failing to beat them has cost them the league.

In his first meeting against Pep Guardiola, Arne Slot ensured his side defeated a wounded City to put them 11 points clear of the team that had won the Premier League in four consecutive seasons.

Again, it was Mohamed Salah who made all the difference. He assisted Cody Gakpo’s opener with a pinpoint cross and settled the match with a penalty in the second half.

In the week that they had also beaten Real Madrid in the Champions League, the result sent Liverpool nine points clear at the top of the Premier League and confirmed their ambition and credentials for winning major silverware.

Brentford 0-2 Liverpool: 18 January 2025, Gtech Community Stadium

Injury-time winners are often the games that propel great sides to the cusp of greatness. The Reds had started 2025 with two draws and were on the verge of going three games without a win for the first time in the season.

However, a Darwin Núñez double in stoppage-time handed Liverpool the victory. The Uruguayan striker converted Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fizzing cross in the 91st minute, before doubling his tally two minutes later when he capped off a classic Liverpool break.

The result went on to have extra significance as Arsenal dropped points later that afternoon in a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium, meaning Liverpool had a six-point cushion at the summit.

Manchester City 0-2 Liverpool: 23 February 2025, Etihad Stadium

Liverpool fans are cautious enough not to get ahead of themselves after the pain of recent title races. Yet, when they truly believe, you’ll hear them belting out: ‘We’re gonna win the league.’

In 2020, the Anfield faithful sang it after a 2-0 win over Manchester United in January. This season, it was the 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium where their supporters saw their dreams become a reality.

Mohamed Salah gave his side the lead, finishing an innovative corner routine in the 14th minute. The Egyptian then turned provider, as he has done 18 times this season already, teeing up Dominik Szoboszlai inside the box to double Liverpool’s lead.

Slot’s men went 11 points clear after completing the double over Pep Guardiola’s side, taking advantage of Arsenal’s costly defeat at home to West Ham the day before. From that point onwards it was a procession as Liverpool have eased their way towards a record-equaling 20th league title.