Liverpool crush Tottenham with Udogie’s own goal, nearing 2024/25 Premier League title

The afternoon of April 27, 2025, is etched as a historic moment for Liverpool. At Anfield, amid the vibrant chant of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the Reds face Tottenham in a match that could confirm their 20th English Championship title, matching rivals Manchester United as England’s most successful club. With 80 points before the game, Arne Slot’s side needed only a draw to secure the trophy, but they went far beyond: a relentless first-half comeback, with goals from Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Cody Gakpo, put Liverpool ahead 3-1. In the second half, Mohamed Salah scored a screamer at 17 minutes, and an own goal by Destiny Udogie at 23 minutes extended the score to 5-1. The Merseyside celebration is moments away, with the game still ongoing at 27 minutes into the second half. The packed stadium’s fans are poised to celebrate their first title with a full crowd since 1990, following the 2019/20 triumph limited by the pandemic.

Liverpool approached this match with a dominant Premier League campaign. With just one loss this season and an average of 7.9 shots per game, the Reds led the competition from the start. A 13-point gap over second-placed Arsenal was cemented after the Gunners’ draw against Crystal Palace in the last round. Tottenham, meanwhile, face an inconsistent season, sitting 15th with 38 points and only one win in their last seven games. The absence of players like Son Heung-min and Radu Dragusin weakened the Spurs, who, despite Dominic Solanke’s early goal, couldn’t withstand Liverpool’s attacking prowess.

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The atmosphere at Anfield is electric. Since early morning, thousands of fans flooded the streets around the stadium, donning the club’s red colors. Banners bearing the number “20” already adorn the walls, symbolizing the title that levels Liverpool with Manchester United. The match, which kicked off at 12:30 PM Brasília time, transcends football: it’s the chance for the Reds to erase the memory of the muted 2020 celebration and revel with their passionate supporters.

A relentless first-half comeback

The match began with a scare for Liverpool fans. At 11 minutes of the first half, Dominic Solanke opened the scoring for Tottenham, heading past Alisson from a James Maddison corner. The goal briefly silenced Anfield, but the Reds’ response was immediate and devastating. At 17 minutes, Luis Díaz leveled the score. After a precise pass from Dominik Szoboszlai, the Colombian finished with composure, beating goalkeeper Vicario. The goal, upheld by VAR after an offside review, reignited the crowd and sparked Liverpool’s dominance.

Six minutes later, at 23 minutes, Alexis Mac Allister turned the game with a moment of brilliance. The Argentine midfielder received the ball at the edge of the box and struck a perfect left-footed shot, leaving Vicario helpless. The stadium erupted, and the Reds’ confidence soared. At 33 minutes, Cody Gakpo extended the lead. Following a corner, the Dutchman controlled the ball in the box, dribbled past two defenders, and fired a cross-shot into the corner. Gakpo, who celebrated by removing his shirt, earned a yellow card, but the moment’s shine remained untarnished. By halftime, Liverpool dominated possession with 61% against Tottenham’s 39% and created additional chances, like a Gakpo bicycle kick that narrowly missed.

The first half reflected Arne Slot’s tactical superiority. The team showed patience in build-up play and aggression in decisive moments. Virgil van Dijk, with his defensive solidity, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, with precise passing, were pivotal in maintaining control. Tottenham, despite attempts like Solanke’s header at 27 minutes, couldn’t consistently threaten.

69' – A FIFTH FOR THE REDS!! 🔴

An own goal by Udogie.

[5-1] #LIVTOT https://t.co/2Q700pHkg4

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 27, 2025

Key first-half moments

• 11 minutes: Dominic Solanke opens the scoring for Tottenham with a header from Maddison’s corner, catching Liverpool’s defense off guard.
• 17 minutes: Luis Díaz equalizes with a VAR-confirmed goal after Szoboszlai’s pass, rekindling the Anfield crowd.
• 23 minutes: Alexis Mac Allister turns the game with a perfect left-footed strike, solidifying Liverpool’s dominance.
• 33 minutes: Cody Gakpo extends the lead with a cross-shot after a corner, dribbling past two defenders.
• 47 minutes: Van Dijk blocks a shot from Tel in the box, ensuring Liverpool’s lead at the break.

Second half: Salah and Udogie fuel the rout

The second half began with Liverpool sustaining their attacking pressure. At 17 minutes, Mohamed Salah, the Premier League’s top scorer, left his mark with a stunner. The Egyptian drove down the right, cut inside, and fired a low shot into Vicario’s bottom left corner. The crowd went wild, and Salah, in an iconic gesture, celebrated by taking a selfie with a fan’s phone from the stands. The goal cemented Liverpool’s lead and reinforced Salah’s status as the season’s standout.

Six minutes later, at 23 minutes, the rout took on even greater proportions. Diogo Jota, who had replaced Gakpo, shot from the edge of the box, and the ball deflected off the defense. Trent Alexander-Arnold, alert, played it back into the middle, and Destiny Udogie, attempting to intercept alongside Salah, scored an own goal. The 5-1 scoreline reflected the Reds’ absolute dominance, as they continued to create chances. At 20 minutes, Szoboszlai nearly scored, but Vicario made a fine save. Tottenham, meanwhile, were reduced to long-range efforts, like those from Pape Sarr and Spence, which posed no threat.

The introduction of Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones at 22 minutes brought fresh energy to Liverpool. Jota, with his movement, and Jones, with his midfield intensity, kept the pressure on Tottenham’s defense. The Spurs tried to respond with substitutions like Richarlison and Odobert, but their lack of organization and creativity limited them. Liverpool’s possession remained superior, exploiting Tottenham’s defensive gaps with patience and precision.

Liverpool’s commanding campaign

The 2024/25 season is one of Liverpool’s most impressive in recent Premier League history. With 80 points from 34 games before facing Tottenham, the Reds built a comfortable lead. The team suffered just one defeat in the competition, averaging 6.5 corners per game and receiving few bookings (1.8 per match). Mohamed Salah, with his goals and assists, is the individual standout, but Arne Slot’s collective approach is the true differentiator.

Arne Slot, in his debut English season, exceeded expectations. Replacing Jürgen Klopp, a club legend, the Dutchman introduced a balanced style with quick transitions and defensive solidity. The 6-3 thrashing of Tottenham in December, away from home, already showcased the Reds’ superiority against the Spurs. In that game, Salah scored and assisted, while Luis Díaz and Szoboszlai also starred. Liverpool’s consistency, with emphatic wins over Manchester United (3-0) and Manchester City (2-0), cemented their status as title favorites.

Arsenal, the main contenders, couldn’t keep pace. Their 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace in the last round left them with 67 points, making Liverpool’s triumph all but inevitable. A 13-goal difference in goal differential (43 vs. Arsenal’s 30) underscores the Reds’ dominance. This campaign places Liverpool alongside historic teams like Manchester United’s 1999/2000 and Arsenal’s 2003/04, who clinched the Premier League with rounds to spare.

Anfield: the heart of the celebration

Anfield is more than a stadium; it’s the epicenter of Liverpool’s passion. With a capacity of around 54,000, the venue has been a cauldron this season. The fans have turned every home game into a spectacle, and this Sunday, the anticipation is even greater. For the first time in 35 years, supporters will witness their team lift the English Championship trophy in their presence. In 2020, pandemic restrictions forced a silent celebration, with Jordan Henderson raising the trophy in an empty stadium. Now, Virgil van Dijk, the team’s captain, will lead the festivities.

The celebration extends beyond the stadium. Since early morning, Liverpool’s streets have been flooded with fans. Bars and pubs in the city center are packed, with festivities expected to last into the early hours. The city council is planning a victory parade for May 26, a day after the season’s final game against Crystal Palace. The parade will follow the route of the 2019 (Champions League) and 2022 (FA Cup and League Cup) celebrations, passing iconic landmarks like Queens Drive and The Strand. Up to 750,000 people are expected, surpassing the 500,000 from the 2022 parade.

The bond between the club and the city is unique. Liverpool, as a community, breathes football, and the Premier League title is a moment of unity. The rivalry with Everton, struggling this season, gains a new chapter, with the Reds reasserting their dominance. Jürgen Klopp’s presence, now in an executive role at Red Bull, at the victory parade will add a special touch, linking the glorious past to the victorious present.

Key moments up to 27 minutes of the second half

• Solanke’s goal (11’ 1H): Tottenham shock with a Solanke header from Maddison’s corner.
• Díaz’s goal (17’ 1H): The Colombian levels the score after Szoboszlai’s pass, confirmed by VAR.
• Mac Allister’s goal (23’ 1H): The Argentine turns the game with a precise shot from outside the box.
• Gakpo’s goal (33’ 1H): The Dutchman extends the lead with a cross-shot after a corner.
• Salah’s goal (17’ 2H): The Egyptian scores a stunner, cutting inside and firing low.
• Udogie’s own goal (23’ 2H): After Jota’s shot and Arnold’s pass, Udogie scores against his own net, sealing the rout.

The title’s historic impact

The 20th English title carries monumental weight. For decades, Liverpool were England’s most successful club, but Manchester United’s dominance in the Premier League era shifted the narrative. Under Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils amassed 13 titles between 1992 and 2013, overtaking the Reds. This season’s triumph not only levels the trophy count but also marks Liverpool’s second Premier League title, reinforcing their resurgence sparked by Jürgen Klopp.

For Arne Slot, the title is a testament to his ability. Taking over from Klopp, the Dutch coach won over fans with stellar results and engaging football. His composure in critical moments, as noted in pre-match interviews, reflects the confidence he instilled in the squad. Players like Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold, key to the 2020 title, remain vital, while youngsters like Gakpo and Szoboszlai represent the club’s future.

The economic impact is also significant. The Premier League title brings substantial prize money, boosting the club’s global visibility. Sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise are expected to surge, especially with the large-scale celebration. The city of Liverpool, which lives football intensely, will also benefit, with tourism boosted by the festivities.

The Reds’ squad strength

Liverpool’s success this season stems from a balanced squad. Mohamed Salah, with his goal-scoring and playmaking, is the standout, but the team boasts other decisive names. Luis Díaz, with his speed and dribbling, has been a constant threat on the left. Alexis Mac Allister, with his vision, has elevated the midfield, while Cody Gakpo has grown into a lethal finisher. At the back, Virgil van Dijk remains a cornerstone with his anticipation and leadership.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite speculation about his future, continues to rank among the world’s best right-backs. His performance, like the precise pass for Udogie’s own goal, underscores his value. Alisson, with crucial saves like the one to deny Solanke in the first half, provides goalkeeping assurance. The squad’s depth, with players like Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Jota, allows Slot to make tactical tweaks without losing quality.

Physical preparation also stands out. With few injuries this season, Liverpool maintained consistency. Joe Gomez, sidelined, is the only notable absence against Tottenham. Slot’s management, prioritizing rotation in competitions like the Europa League, has been key to avoiding fatigue.

Arne Slot’s tactical dominance

Arne Slot brought a new identity to Liverpool, maintaining the club’s characteristic intensity while adding greater tactical control. His approach, blending possession with quick transitions, has been devastating. Against Tottenham, Liverpool exploited the flanks efficiently, with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson creating constant chances. The midfield, led by Mac Allister and Gravenberch, dominated proceedings, while Salah and Díaz provided firepower up top.

Slot’s ability to make strategic substitutions also shone through. The introduction of Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones in the second half brought freshness and intensity, directly contributing to the fifth goal. Rotating players throughout the season ensured Liverpool arrived at this decisive moment with the squad in top form. Comparisons with Klopp are inevitable, but Slot is already carving his own legacy at Anfield.

The Dutch coach has also earned praise for handling pressure. Replacing an icon like Klopp is no easy task, but Slot won the trust of players and fans with his pragmatic approach. His clear communication and ability to keep the squad focused were crucial to the near-flawless Premier League campaign.

What to expect in the final minutes

At 27 minutes into the second half, Liverpool maintain absolute control. The 5-1 lead provides comfort, but the Reds show no signs of slowing down. Diogo Jota, with his movement, and Curtis Jones, with his energy, continue to press Tottenham’s defense. The Spurs, disorganized, rely on isolated efforts like long-range shots that fail to trouble Alisson. The fans, aware the title is near, sing relentlessly, creating an intimidating atmosphere.

The officiating, led by Tom Bramall, has been efficient, with minimal controversies. The VAR, which upheld Díaz’s first-half goal, ensured accuracy. Tottenham, with substitutions like Richarlison and Odobert, aim to reorganize their attack, but the absence of players like Son Heung-min limits their options. The expectation is that Liverpool will manage their lead until the final whistle, sealing the title in front of their supporters.

The official celebration, however, will be delayed. Per Premier League tradition, the trophy will be presented only at the final home game against Crystal Palace on May 25. Until then, the Reds plan to maintain their momentum, with matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Brighton ahead. The victory parade, set for May 26, promises to be one of the club’s grandest events, drawing hundreds of thousands to Liverpool’s streets.

A milestone for Liverpool and its fans

The city of Liverpool lives football uniquely, and the Premier League title is more than a sporting achievement: it’s a moment of pride and unity. The rivalry with Everton, struggling this season, gains a new chapter, with the Reds reasserting their supremacy. The title’s impact extends beyond the pitch, boosting the local economy with increased tourism and merchandise sales.

The club, with six Champions League titles and numerous domestic trophies, reinforces its status as a global football giant. The 2024/25 season, with the title all but secured, places Liverpool at a pinnacle of excellence, with a robust project for the years ahead. Virgil van Dijk’s recent contract renewal signals the club’s intent to maintain its core.

Every goal, chant, and moment in this match against Tottenham will be etched in fans’ memories. Liverpool, with its history of resilience and passion, is moments away from writing another glorious chapter. The Anfield celebration, which began before kickoff, is just the start of a party that promises to resonate for generations.

🇦🇷 x 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/77IOO2uED0

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 27, 2025

24' – WHAT A HIT!!! 🚀

Mac Allister's superb strike from distance fires us into the lead! 🙌

[2-1] #LIVTOT https://t.co/xFLdHANf4S

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 27, 2025