Some three hours earlier, red smoke outside heralded the arrival of the new champions. Manchester City’s four-year reign was ended in the Merseyside sun. Liverpool have not merely been the best team this season. They have been the most consistent and the most reliable. An event that some had waited decades to experience delivered what it promised.

Liverpool have joined Manchester United as the most successful club in England after winning their 20th top-flight title. It is their second title of the Premier League era and it has been won with four games left of the 2024-25 season.