EPL: How Liverpool’s stunning Premier League success fooled the experts

Liverpool claimed their second Premier League crown and 20th English title overall on Sunday, as Arne Slot’s Reds thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at Anfield. 

Despite only requiring a draw, the Merseyside giants notched five against Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs, responding to an early setback after Dominic Solanke’s early strike to seal an emphatic victory. 

Success for the Dutchman comes in year one at Liverpool after replacing Jurgen Klopp last summer, making him the sixth manager in the Premier League era to claim the top-flight title in his maiden season at a club. 

Although Slot was backed to retain Liverpool’s spot in the Champions League places, few observers tipped the Reds for Premier League success. 

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This is seen in the revelation that most pundits selected Manchester City or Arsenal for the 2024-25 title. 

Of the 11 ex-players, eight chose Pep Guardiola’s side to claim a fifth straight crown while three — Michael Owen, Darren Bent and Leon Osman — backed Mikel Arteta’s side to reign supreme for the first time since 2003-04. 

However, Slot’s side clinched the Premier League crown, moving level with fierce rivals Manchester United on 20 English top-flight crowns. 

Liverpool travel to Champions League-chasing Chelsea on Sunday, keen to avoid defeat in their first contest since claiming the Premier League title. 

Following that Stamford Bridge trip, the Reds host Arsenal and travel to Brighton before concluding the season with a home fixture with Crystal Palace on May 25.