5 key games as Liverpool secure Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season

Liverpool were in command of the title virtually all season after an impressive start under new head coach Arne Slot.

Here the PA news agency looks at some of the key games of the campaign.

Arsenal 2 Liverpool 2 (October 27)

Mohamed Salah scored a late equaliser as Liverpool came from behind for a second time to earn a draw which not only kept them a point behind leaders Manchester City but left the Gunners four points adrift of them.

Liverpool 2 Brighton 1 (November 2)

Goals from Cody Gakpo and Salah in the final 20 minutes turned things around after Ferdi Kadioglu’s early goal had given the visitors a deserved lead. The result saw the Reds move to the top of the table, with Arsenal and Manchester City losing on the same day.

Liverpool 2 Fulham 2 (December 14)

At the time the draw was viewed by some as a setback in their title pursuit, but this game highlighted Slot’s bold tactical approach and his players’ resilience.

Liverpool played more than 82 minutes with 10 men after Andy Robertson was sent off, with midfielder Ryan Gravenberch filling in as a makeshift centre-back.

They were rewarded with Gakpo’s equaliser just after half-time before Diogo Jota grabbed a point four minutes from the end to move five clear at the top as Arsenal drew against Everton.

Brentford 0 Liverpool 2 (January 18)

If, as seems likely, Darwin Nunez does leave in the summer, he will at least depart knowing this one individual contribution delivered an important blow in the title race.

His two added-time goals to break Brentford’s stubborn resistance extended the Reds’ advantage to six points with a match in hand as Arsenal again drew.

Bournemouth 0 Liverpool 2 (February 1)

Slot admitted his side had had “a bit of luck” after they ended Bournemouth’s 11-game unbeaten run to go nine points clear.

Salah scored twice as the leaders triumphed at the Vitality Stadium, but the game turned on a number of borderline first-half decisions including the award of a penalty – converted by Salah – despite replays suggesting Gakpo may have tripped himself up.