The race for Champions League places came down to the final day of the Premier League season. Both Liverpool and Arsenal were vying for the coveted fourth spot, with the possibility of Manchester City also slipping down from third. Liverpool had to beat Middlesborough at home, or hope that Arsenal couldn’t beat local rivals Everton in order to secure Liverpool Champions League qualification.
Win Secures Liverpool Champions League Qualification
It looked as though it wasn’t to be early on. Hector Bellerin fired Arsenal in front within the first ten minutes. Liverpool were struggling to break down the resolute defence of Middlesborough. Who were looking to mark their exit from the Premier League by spoiling somebody else’s party.
Suddenly, the atmosphere at Anfield became even more tense. News of an Alexis Sanchez strike began to filter its way around the ground. The realisation that a draw was now unlikely to be enough, as Everton did their Merseyside rivals no favours whatsoever.
Liverpool were struggling to create much offensively for the vast majority of the first half. A barrage of long shots at Brad Guzan‘s goal was all the reds had to offer going forward. It wasn’t until stoppage time at the end of the first half that the mood finally lifted. Roberto Firmino played through Gini Wijnaldum who brought it forward and smashed the ball in at the near post.
Two goals were added in the second half, as Liverpool’s little magician Philippe Coutinho‘s free kick sailed into the far corner from 30 yards. Shortly after Jurgen Klopp‘s side made it three. Adam Lallana rounded off a quick break and slotted home into the bottom right corner.
A Return to the Promised Land
The Champions League is a competition deeply connected to Liverpool’s history. The club are the most successful English side in the history of the competition. Although Liverpool had an impressive run in Europe between 2005-2009 (appearing in three semi finals in that four year period), they have only been in the competition twice in the last eight years.
It was an inglorious return to the Champions League in the 2014/15 campaign. As Liverpool exited in the group stage. It will be interesting to see how Liverpool strengthen their squad during the summer in order to better prepare themselves for European competition.
Klopp can be incredibly proud of his squad’s achievements this term. However, there are not enough quality players within the squad to help Liverpool compete in multiple competitions. Something that will have to change going in to next year.
Nevertheless, 76 points for this Liverpool side is something to be celebrated. Especially when you consider they managed to finish seven points above rivals Manchester United. Who spent over £150,000,000 in the summer.
One For the Future
Whilst Liverpool will be happy to finish fourth this season, it is the ramifications for future years that has those associated with the club excited. Liverpool are now able to go out and compete with the bigger clubs in Europe in the transfer market. Meaning that the squad will be in a much better position to challenge for silverware next season.
European nights at Anfield are always special. If nothing else, next season will be an incredible spectacle.
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