It was never really in too much doubt. While Liverpool waited until the final day to secure their place in the Premier League’s top four and consecutive Champions League qualifications, they were always going to beat Brighton Hove Albion.
The Reds swatted the Seagulls 4-0 at Anfield to finish the Premier League campaign in fourth place.
All Liverpool could do was take care of their own affairs and let whatever else in the league happen. Champions League football was ensured with a win and Brighton had not beaten Liverpool in any competition since 1984. The Reds had every right to feel confident. Little did they know that Rafa Benitez would help as his Newcastle beat Chelsea too.
The only loss of shine on the day was Spurs slipping a fifth goal past Leicester for a 5-4 win and a jump into third place. Although, that small blemish will be quickly forgotten with Mohamed Salah besting Harry Kane for the Premier League Golden Boot. Add to that, Liverpool’s chance to lift a sixth European Cup and Spurs definitely should be the club that feels the sting.
For the Reds’ part, beating Brighton Hove Albion without injury or incident served as a penultimate preparation for the true season finale in Kiev. It was a victory that showcased both the confidence and quality of the club as the chance for silverware awaits.
Here are four findings from today’s match.
Sensational Salah
Having tallied a goal in 32 of 38 matches, Salah sets another new goalscoring record. With it he also secured the Premier League Golden Boot too.
They are just a couple new records and awards that the Egyptian has collected during a campaign that has been nothing short of sensational. In an era where Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have cast incredibly long shadows, Salah has stolen considerable limelight from that duo.
For months, the attacker has defied description and rendered superlatives almost silly. Salah’s season has been the most thrilling individual effort since Luis Suarez left the club.
Yet, it has been his integral inclusion in the best current threesome in European football that has elevated his accomplishments even further. As one head of the three-headed hydra, he has benefitted from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané as much as he has eclipsed them statistically. He has amassed quite the haul of individual awards and records.
Solanke Scores
It may have taken the whole of his initial season as a first-team footballer, but Dominic Solanke finally got his first official goal as a Red.
Despite 26 appearances, the 20-year-old found finishing harder to come by than anyone would have thought after his promising pre-season. His perseverance was rewarded with relief as the U20 England international broke his duck with an exquisite finish.
The striker had already assisted Mo Salah’s record-breaking finish before the Egyptian became the provider in return. After skipping over a tackle, Salah found Solanke who slammed home a screamer.
With the milestone out of the way, the youngster can continue his development with a little less pressure of the striker-yet-to-score scourge.
Whether he can synchronise and displace one of the front three next season or go out on loan and gain valuable experience remains to be seen. However, the sheer joy that the side experienced with Solanke after he scored is a testament to the Reds’ unity.
Defensive Developments
For the first time in nearly 10 years, the Reds have finished a league campaign without a defeat at home. A pre-season goal of making Anfield a fortress again has been achieved and is one more box ticked for Jurgen Klopp’s long-term Liverpool plan. Maybe the team can tap the This is Anfield sign again before taking to the pitch.
For all the concern earlier in the season, Liverpool collected 17 clean sheets, their most in the Premier League. They also conceded the fourth fewest goals in the league over the campaign (38), tied with Chelsea.
Yet only 12 goals have been conceded in the league in the calendar year. Since Virgil van Dijk’s arrival, the Reds are conceding fewer than one goal a game on average. It is time for a new script to describe Liverpool’s defence.
Kiev to Come
Guaranteeing another season of Champions League football was paramount for maintaining the promise of the Reds’ return to the European elite. After almost a decade of difficulty in consistent continental campaigns, Jurgen Klopp has managed to not only ensure Liverpool returned but laid down a marker for a new era. The Reds may have finished the league but now a final awaits.
For all the talk of Klopp failing to win silverware since taking the helm, he has helped the club now to two European finals in three years and a chance to topple the two-time defending champions in club football’s most prestigious competition.
Given the fact that the club has spent far less than its rivals, even selling one of its best players in January, the accomplishment of this season is remarkable whatever may come in Kiev. Yet, there is the dust of destiny on this side with two weeks to prepare for their trip to Ukraine and a chance at a sixth European Cup.