Liverpool (AFP) – Liverpool will be crowned English champions for the first time in 30 years without kicking a ball if Manchester City fail to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Jurgen Klopp’s men moved to the brink of a long-awaited Premier League title in style by thumping Crystal Palace 4-0 on their return to Anfield on Wednesday.
Liverpool hold a 23-point lead over defending champions City with just seven games to play, meaning their 19th English title — and first Premier League crown — is just a matter of time.
The European champions’ long wait to return to the summit of English football has been extended by three months due to the unprecedented coronavirus shutdown.
There were fears at one stage the season could have been declared null and void, before the Premier League agreed to restart.
City can delay Liverpool’s celebrations by beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and then winning the battle of the top two next week at the Etihad Stadium.
Klopp said he would be watching Thursday’s game in London, not to will on Frank Lampard’s side but to prepare for the game against City.
“I watch the game not to prepare a celebration but we play City a week later and also Chelsea,” said the German boss.
“This game is a really important game to watch for plenty of reasons. Whatever happens… we have no influence on it so I have no interest.
“It will happen when it happens.”
– Liverpool hit form –
Liverpool returned to top form against Crystal Palace at an empty Anfield on Wednesday, brushing aside the London club 4-0 after a drab goalless draw against neighbours Everton at the weekend.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Fabinho and Sadio Mane were all on the scoresheet as Klopp’s men showed the combination of flair and steel that has made them so irresistible this season.
If City manage to keep the title race alive at Chelsea, a point would be good enough for Liverpool to win the league when they travel to Manchester on July 2.
City boss Pep Guardiola said on Wednesday his priority is Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final rather than prolonging Liverpool’s wait and he could rest players ahead of the trip to Newcastle at the weekend.
England international Alexander-Arnold admitted many of his teammates would be tuning into events in London on Thursday but wants Liverpool to go on and rewrite the record books no matter when they clinch the title.
from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/2Zb8rNp
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