Never a team to do things the easy way, Liverpool finally clinched a Champions League qualifying spot on the final day of the season, defeating already-relegated Middlesbrough 3-0.
Whilst the final scoreline was fairly emphatic, the game was in the balance as the Reds survived a strong penalty shout and a couple of other nervy moments in defence in the opening 45 minutes.
Then, right on the stroke of half time, Gini Wijnaldum powered into the box and exquisitely controlled a Roberto Firmino pass, settling nerves across Anfield and beyond, with a thumping drive past a hapless Brad Guzan.
The Anfield crowd had barely had time to finish their half time drinks before a dinked Philippe Coutinho free kick doubled Liverpool’s advantage only six minutes after the break; and Adam Lallana burst into the box to quickly follow that with number three.
With Manchester City defeating Watford 5-0 to ensure third spot, Liverpool’s 3-0 win rendered Arsenal’s 3-1 win over a disinterested Everton team irrelevant and, barring any mishap in the qualifying round in August, will see the Reds gracing Europe’s premier competition for the first time since the 2014-15 season.
Here are our final player ratings of the 2016-17 season:
Simon Mignolet - 7
The much-improved Belgian stopper didn’t have much to do, but dealt with the little Boro threw at him with his now-standard composure.
James Milner - 6
Put some better crosses in with his left foot but still looked like a player in need of his summer break. Rarely tested defensively.
Joel Matip - 7
The pick of the Liverpool defence, the classy centre back looked as assured as ever, got forward when he could and perhaps crucially, obscured referee Atkinson’s view of the Lovren penalty incident!
Dejan Lovren - 5
Was nervy all game and clumsily came close to conceding a penalty when he was soundly beaten by Patrick Bamford, which amongst several other panicked moments demonstrates why Reds fans will hope to see the Croatian replaced in the first XI next season.
Nathaniel Clyne - 6
Untroubled in defence, but blasted a glorious early chance wide and whilst he was energetic enough down the right flank, as has been too often the case this season he offered no genuine threat in attack.
Emre Can - 7
Quietly kept things ticking over and his distribution and positioning were excellent. Hard to remember now when he last had a bad game, after his consistently outstanding end to the season.
Gini Wijnaldum - 8
Quiet at times in the first half but exploded into life with the crucial goal just before the break, and enjoyed being able to relax and play with greater freedom in the second.
Phil Coutinho - 8
Tested Guzan with several long-range efforts before another delightful free kick gave the Reds some breathing room. Some delightful interplay with his attacking colleagues in the second half.
Adam Lallana - 6
Not one of his better games, and overall had a muted end to the season after starting with such promise. Apart from one burst into the box for the third goal, he was mostly anonymous.
Roberto Firmino - 8
Delightful assist for Wijnaldum to break the deadlock and was at the heart of Liverpool’s attacking play in the second half. Often unselfish when he could probably have scored himself, and has proven he can play effectively up front with a partner.
Daniel Sturridge - 6
Disappointing after his decisive performance vs West Ham last week, especially considering this could have been his last game for the club. In and out of the game and only had a couple of shots wide to show for his efforts.
(Sub) Lucas Leiva - 10
How could I not include him?! Given the nature of his exit and speech at the end, this was clearly the Brazilian’s last game for the club, and over ten years of service he has proven a worthy member of the squad and a great asset off the pitch too. Best of luck to Lucas on his future!