It was clear to Liverpool that a win over Wolves at Molineux would guarantee a 20th league title for the Merseyside club, unless a miracle occurred at Etihad Stadium.
Anfield was victorious by a score of 3-1. Unfortunately for Liverpool, the same could be said for the Manchester United miracle.
After Sunday’s thrilling Premier League season finale, Liverpool’s historic quadruple chase has come to an end and their hopes of clinching the domestic treble have also been dashed.
Reds strikers Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah all netted in the 3-2 win over Manchester City to keep the pressure on City for the second time in three seasons and keep the title race alive.
An Anfield atmosphere of hope rather than expectation was reinforced when Pedro Neto’s early goal gave Wolves a surprising lead after only two minutes.
It’s all smiles for Pedro Neto after he put Wolves ahead in the first half.
At halftime, Mane’s equaliser sent the crowd into a frenzy, as they realised Villa’s advantage at the Etihad may be an opportunity for an incredible domestic season finale for the club.
Liverpool’s first league victory in 30 years was celebrated in front of a half-empty stadium in the wake of the epidemic two years ago. Winning the 20th in front of a full house would have been an even sweeter reward.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson told Sky Sports, “Obviously there were a few jitters today, but in the end I felt we came through pretty well.
“We persevered and came out on top.” Although we could hear the cheering, we had no idea what the score was. Everything we did was aimed at keeping us focused on the task at hand.
“We’ve given everything we’ve got,” they say.
Although lkay Gündoan’s title-deciding goal for Manchester City ultimately put an end to Anfield’s deafening atmosphere, Liverpool will look back on a spectacular season that might possibly peak again when the dust settles.
Despite City’s comeback, the Reds will be the only English team to finish the season with a domestic treble if they defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 28.
Jürgen Klopp’s team would end the season on a high note if they beat Paris Saint-Germain, adding European success to their FA Cup and Carabao Cup victories already this year.
In spite of their defeat, Alisson and City’s Ederson were both awarded the Golden Glove for the most clean sheets in the Premier League.
As if that wasn’t enough, Salah also won the award for the most assists and the Golden Boot, which he shared with Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min, for his 23 goals this year.
As Henderson put it, “the lads have given everything, so you can’t have too many problems.”
In January, we’d have bit your hand off to take it all the way to the end of the season.
“Today has been a letdown for us. Congratulations to City and then it’s time to get back to work.”