Why Liverpool’s Final Games Matter, Despite Sealing The Premier League

Even the coach, who brushed up this smart Liverpool outfit and stayed grounded until the last, could finally let loose. “I will celebrate with a glass of beer, or two, or three,” Arne Slot said after the Reds clinched the Premier League in style against Tottenham Hotspur to the delight of a rocking Anfield crowd last weekend.

Liverpool is on cloud nine, having breezed past its so-called challengers to make it first-division crown number 20, which equals rival Manchester United’s record. Regardless of what happens on the final four matchdays—against Chelsea, Brighton, Arsenal, and Crystal Palace—Slot and his squad will lift the trophy on May 26, enjoying a parade the next day.

As such, most eyes will now switch to the undecided domestic titles and the conclusion to the Champions, Europa, and Conference Leagues. However, at least from a Liverpool persuasion, its remaining minutes on the field mean something. Here’s why they still merit attention.

Salah Has Milestones To Reach

In propelling Liverpool to glory, Mohamed Salah’s main job is complete. Yet, knowing the athlete he is, always hungry for more, he won’t be jogging over the finish line. Used to being chased by defenders, Salah is chasing milestones in his eighth season.

Salah is on 46 goal involvements (goals and assists) and will fancy eclipsing Alan Shearer’s season record: 47. In assists alone, the Egyptian has 18, just two away from Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry’s highs of 20 in 2002/03 and 2019/20, respectively. Glancing at goals specifically, catching Erling Haaland’s unprecedented 36 in one campaign looks fanciful.

Even so, after signing a two-year contract, every match will count in jumping up two or three places (Salah is currently fifth) in the all-time Premier League scoring charts, with next target Andy Cole just a couple ahead on 187. As for Liverpool’s numbers, having surpassed Gordon Hodgson, Salah has the Reds’ second-highest marksman ever, Roger Hunt, in his sights. He needs 41 more to match his tally of 285.

Key Players’ Futures Will Become Clear

Liverpool has already tied down Salah and Virgil van Dijk to new deals, and the consensus is Trent Alexander-Arnold—yet to extend—will join Real Madrid. As supporters possibly savor his final flourishes, others may be ready to move on, too.

With the pressure off, the remaining contests provide a chance for striker Darwin Núñez to gain some rhythm and, from Liverpool’s perspective, add a few million dollars to his price tag, with the club likely to consider selling the number nine for a handsome offer. Also potentially competing for their futures are Federico Chiesa, Wataru Endō, and Kostas Tsimikas.

Momentum Ahead Of A Bigger Challenge

Having wrapped up the prize, one might excuse Liverpool’s stars for stepping off the gas in the final knockings of the campaign. Then again, signing off on a high would be the perfect warmup for its trophy lift and may set the tone for 2025/26. Great teams maintain a winning culture.

Next term, Liverpool has room for improvement. It’s managed games superbly but is not the finished article, and defending the league and performing better in the cup competitions will be a challenge. Slot’s biggest test, evolving the side in his image and achieving consistency, is what’s to come.