Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th English League title has appeared a certainty for some time, but that did nothing to dull the celebrations as Arne Slot’s side sealed the triumph with four games to spare, following Sunday’s 5-1 defeat of Tottenham.

All manner of history was written as the Reds belted home the goals at Anfield, winning their second title of the Premier League era but first with feeling, after 2019/20’s Covid-isolated salute. Slot became the tenth man to lead Liverpool to a League title but first to do so at the first attempt; he is also the first Dutch manager to win in England.

Liverpool fans can now again lay claim to being the country’s most successful side in joining Manchester United on twenty titles, trumping them with six European Cups to three. Those fans were central to Slot’s celebratory message on Sunday, packing Anfield – both stadium and suburb – long into the night.

‘When you think of Liverpool fans, what stands out to most supporters and players who go to Anfield is that they’re so in touch with the game. They understand what players are trying to achieve, the ability they have’, Stephen Warnock, who played for the club from 2002-07, told Box2Box.

‘Head into the terraces, and it is a working class city, it really is, and they adore their football club. I know there’s other cities like it, but it just has a special place, and the connection the club has with the fans is truly remarkable.

What is most remarkable is how well Slot has managed his own entrance. Predecessor Jurgen Klopp was truly beloved for overhauling a mediocre team into a major force,

What is most remarkable is how well Slot has managed his own entrance, which most considered a monumental task after the departure of the beloved Jürgen Klopp. The German overhauled a mediocre team into a major force, reignited dormant passion in the stands – and then broke hearts when he announced he was emotionally spent.

The deference Slot has shown Klopp – while subtly tinkering with his side, which had began to stall – reached a crescendo on Sunday as he sang his predecessor’s name, an acknowledgement of the welcome mat Klopp has left on departure.

‘Slot knows he was left a magnificent team – I think he’s already sent Klopp that (trophy lift) parade invite and said he’d love him to be part of it and enjoy it. But he hasn’t tried to emulate Klopp in being that charismatic figure on the touchline. He’s been his own person right from the get-go.

‘At the first home game the fans were anticipating a fist-pump; he went over and applauded but said that’s not my personality, I’m sorry but you won’t get it from me. He’s done it his own way. He’s won the fans over with his style of play, they’ve very quickly become accustomed to it, and realised this guy is the real deal.’

The manager also remained calm in the face of long-term uncertainty, peppered endlessly in the press over the contracts of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk & Trent Alexander-Arnold. The local right-back remains uncontracted for next season, which stands as the final piece of major business to close out on.

Slot should now have major leverage to enter the transfer market and begin the customary long-term overhaul required to keep a defending champion fresh for years to come.

‘I think they’re going to add to the squad and potentially go quite big, knowing the next four-five years will see a big push to make sure Liverpool challenge for more titles. They’re a very capable squad but do need depth – look at the PSG (Champions League exit) and Newcastle (League Cup final loss) games.

‘We’ve still got the Alexander-Arnold situation: will he, won’t he sign. If he does leave, do they think it will be Conor Bradley, or do they need to bring in someone to compete and have two very good players there? I’m still of the mind he might stay – I hope he does.’