Although the Reds had a fairly rocky start to the season, we can all agree Liverpool redeemed themselves to the fullest, and glimpses of the previous season’s drive echoed throughout their performance. Jurgen Klopp was certainly a happy fellow last night as his ranks beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Anfield, ending the Premier League 2020/21 season with a bang. Liverpool accomplished five wins in a row and 26 points from 30 matches to secure a place in the top four.
Many had hoped for an impressive back to back Premier League champions stunt, but Liverpool faced many deal-breaking issues this season. With the absence of Virgil van Dijk, a significant asset to the last campaign’s success and fragmented performances by Alisson Becker, the Reds struggled defensively this season. It was a worrying concern whether they would even qualify for the Champions League, but they pulled through nonetheless and proved why they are world-class.
Sadio Mane was definitely the man for Liverpool that night, delivering his turbo-charged shots and showing off for the 10,000 fans that were finally allowed back in the stadium. Mane was definitely among the heroes last night and ensured the Reds make it into the top four. The Senegalese now has four goals and four assists in his last ten league games, which is an improvement compared to recent performances.
It is no doubt that Liverpool struggled this season heavily with the absences of Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago, Diogo Jota and even Alisson Becker for the majority of the season. However, Mohamed Salah vowed that he and his team would “not allow this season to be defined by the results we’ve (they’ve) had”. The 28-year-old promised to fight like champions till the end, and they certainly did. Liverpool emerged victorious in all final five games of the season, and they lept past Chelsea and Leicester to third place. Salah, who also appears in Sportingbet’s list of Europe’s deadliest strikers, managed to score five goals and two assists during the last ten games as well. Although this year the Egyptian is not in the race for the Golden Boot, he and Liverpool kept their word and delivered fantastic performances throughout the end of the season.
However, it was also a sad night for many fans as Klopp announced that Gini Wijnaldum, Liverpool star, was indeed leaving the club. That would make it Wijnaldum’s final appearance at home to Crystal Palace, and the Dutchman was left quite emotional.
“As it looks right now, it is (goodbye). The club and I didn’t agree to a new contract. If you look at the facts, from the first of July, my contract is over.”
“The relationship the manager and I have is a really good one. I think the best one I have had with a manager so far, so I think it will be emotional.”
Gini Wijnaldum’s departure has not only left him emotional but the rest of the Kop as well as we recall his fantastic feats in Liverpool vs Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals 2019. Liverpool produced one of their greatest and most unforgettable match in their history, and Wijnaldum was a crucial part, scoring two of the goals that night that led them to victory. He was a true Liverpool man, and he will definitely be missed by his team, manager and fans all over the world.