Liverpool drew 1-1 with FA Cup champions Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon in their final top-flight game of the season, as Arne Slot's side celebrated their Premier League title win.
The visitors took the lead in the ninth minute after Conor Bradley gave away possession on the right in his own half, before Tyrick Mitchell slipped a pass through on goal for Ismaila Sarr, who struck into the bottom right of the net.
Liverpool's best chance of the first half fell to Luis Diaz, who somehow failed to find the back of the net after Mohamed Salah played a pass over the top of Palace's defence.
The Reds' hopes of getting back into the game were significantly damaged when Ryan Gravenberch was sent off for a last-man challenge after the hour mark.
However, talisman Salah fought to get his side back level in the closing stages after Cody Gakpo headed the ball into his path inside the penalty area, with the Egyptian's ferocious close-range strike deflecting into the net.
The game ended level, and Liverpool finish first with 84 points, while Palace end the campaign in 12th with 53 points.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Neither side will particularly care about the result given both have ended the season with silverware, but both sets of fans will be grateful to have ended 2024-25 on a high.
Palace's FA Cup triumph means they will be playing in the Europa League next term, and head coach Oliver Glasner will hope to be able to keep his squad together in order to build on his success.
As for Liverpool, they will have to begin their title defence next term without Gravenberch, who is set to miss the first three games of the season as a result of his red.
The draw has not spoiled what has been an incredible season, and the club will look to significantly strengthen in the transfer market in order to bring home their 21st title.
Talisman Salah will also be pleased to have equalled the Premier League record for most goals and assists in a single season (47).
LIVERPOOL VS. CRYSTAL PALACE HIGHLIGHTS
Ismaila Sarr goal vs. Liverpool (9th min, Liverpool 0-1 Crystal Palace)
Conor Bradley needlessly gives the ball away in his own half and his poor pass on the right allows Mitchell to play through to Sarr, who finishes excellently past goalkeeper Alisson Becker low into the right.
A glimpse of life without Trent Alexander-Arnold, perhaps?
37th min: Luis Diaz (Liverpool) chance
Salah plays an excellent pass over the top of Palace's defence to Diaz, who is onside and inside the penalty area, but the Colombian fails to find the back of the net, sending his shot straight into the body of Dean Henderson.
Salah wants the assist record!
68th min: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) red card
Gravenberch tries to pluck the ball out of the air near the halfway line but miscontrols possession, leading to a chance for Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada to charge through to goal, but Gravenberch tackles and takes him down.
He will miss the first three games of next season!
Mohamed Salah goal vs. Crystal Palace (84th min, Liverpool 1-1 Crystal Palace)
Darwin Nunez sends a cross from the right to the back post, where Cody Gakpo meets his delivery and heads down to Salah, and the Egyptian makes no mistake from close range as he lashes a strike into the net via a deflection.
His 29th Premier League goal of the season!
MAN OF THE MATCH - TYRICK MITCHELL
Mitchell was directly responsible for creating Palace's goal, winning the ball back after a poor pass from Bradley before playing Sarr through on goal.
The wing-back made the most recoveries (nine), the joint most interceptions (five) and the joint most defensive actions (18) of any Crystal Palace player.
LIVERPOOL VS. CRYSTAL PALACE MATCH STATS
Possession: Liverpool 69%-31% Crystal Palace
Shots: Liverpool 14-8 Crystal Palace
Shots on target: Liverpool 3-5 Crystal Palace
Corners: Liverpool 11-0 Crystal Palace
Fouls: Liverpool 7-10 Crystal Palace
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Liverpool end the season as champions, and the club will parade the Premier League trophy around the city on Monday so that supporters can celebrate the club's success.
As for Palace, they will also hold a parade for their victory in the FA Cup on Monday, with the Eagles keen to commemorate the team's first major trophy.
body check tags ::
