Liverpool did all they could in their attempt to claim the Premier League title by beating Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson all netted as the Reds came from behind to win 3-1 and end the top-flight season unbeaten at home. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side ended the campaign a point behind Manchester City to dash hopes of an unprecedented quadruple.
But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at Anfield.
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Salah frustrated
The best thing about the final day of the Premier League season is that it harks back to what used to be commonplace in football, with games taking place at the same time. It means keeping up to date with scores elsewhere can be crucial.
Mohamed Salah found that out to his frustration when he wheeled away to celebrate towards the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand having put the Reds 2-1 up and, possibly in his mind, ahead in the title race. Well, that was until a fan sat near the front pointed out to the approaching Liverpool players that City had gone 3-2 up.
The disappointed look on both Salah and Roberto Firmino spoke volumes. At no point during the final day had Jurgen Klopp’s side gone top of the table.
Alisson unhappy
Jurgen Klopp was the first to admit his team weren’t at their best against Wolves, which wasn’t a massive surprise given the at times unbearable tension around the stadium. And they were indebted to another excellent display from Alisson Becker, particularly in the second half when he made a string of important stops.
Mind you, the goalkeeper was less than impressed when Wolves got in behind despite looking suspiciously offside, only to waste the chance with a massively overhit cross that flew across the face of goal.
Alisson was so incensed with the decision to play on he could be spotted beating the Anfield turf with his fist in anger. Clearly, the occasion even got to the laidback shot-stopper.
Klopp gives reminder
One of the issues of playing in a wide position for Liverpool is that, for 45 minutes at least, you risk getting an earful from Jurgen Klopp. Such was the case in the first half for Andy Robertson, who was given a full blast from the Reds boss having not pushed forward quickly enough to support an attack as Trent Alexander-Arnold progressed into the area on the opposite flank.
Klopp was back to his calm and cheery self after the game when giving the departing Divock Origi a huge hug after the Belgian was given an emotional guard of honour before the traditional post-match lap of appreciation.
And a little bit later, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones took time to sign autographs and pose for photographs with fans in the Main Stand.
And finally…
For all the talk of tussles with Pep Guardiola’s side, for those in the city of Liverpool there’s only one rivalry that really matters. And there was an amusing reminder of that in the mixed zone – where journalists attempt to persuade players to chat – after the game.
One Anfield ground staff operative, who was carrying the League Cup, spotted an Everton-supporting media member and enquired “Do you know what this is?” before walking past again a little later and asking the same person “How did Everton get on today?” while knowing full well they had been thrashed 5-1 at Arsenal.
The journalist in question took the interaction with good grace and burst out in laughter. And if that’s not football is all about, then what is?