Liverpool wrap up the Premier League title in style and the Anfield party gets underway

LIVERPOOL secured a record-equalling 20th league title in a party atmosphere with a 5-1 victory over Tottenham as fans at Anfield witnessed a championship triumph for the first time in 35 years.

- By CARL MARKHAM

The 2020 success under Jurgen Klopp came in the sterile confines of Covid restrictions and, even then, confirmation came when Manchester City lost at Chelsea to hand it to them on a plate.

While the players celebrated alone at Formby Hall hotel, thousands of fans, contrary to government rules, gathered outside the stadium to launch fireworks into the night sky and mark the occasion with more pyrotechnics than your average November 5.

So the outpouring of pure joy and raw emotion on a suitably sunny Merseyside afternoon was totally understandable and more than deserved as they matched arch-rival Manchester United's tally of 20.

At the final whistle, Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah were among those who fell to the turf.

Boss Arne Slot allowed himself a congratulatory hug with his backroom staff.

The players danced wildly in front of the Kop as fireworks exploded in the streets behind it before lining up arm-in-arm for a rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone!

The usually-reserved Slot followed that with four Klopp-like fist pumps.