The Japan Times - Van Dijk hails Liverpool's 'special' title triumph

Arne Slot's side needed only a point against lowly Tottenham to start the title party, but they did much more than that with a swaggering display in front of a jubilant capacity crowd at Anfield.

After Dominic Solanke's early goal for Tottenham threatened to spoil the celebrations, Liverpool hit back with first-half strikes from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.

Mohamed Salah netted after the interval before Destiny Udogie's own goal capped Liverpool's title-clinching victory.

Liverpool captain Van Dijk admitted it was a sweet moment to wrap up the club's first Premier League success since 2020.

"It's special and it's something that we don't take for granted. It's amazing," Van Dijk said.

"A lot of emotions before the game, during the whole week, but we got the job done and we are truly deserved champions of England.

"The most beautiful club in the world and I think we deserve all of this. Let's enjoy the next couple of weeks and let it sink in."

Liverpool's previous Premier League title came during the Covid-19 pandemic, with few people inside Anfield to celebrate due to lockdown restrictions.

Van Dijk, who was a member of that squad, said Liverpool's success this time meant even more because they could soak up the acclaim of their supporters.

The Dutch defender and his team-mates linked arms with Slot and the backroom staff to sing Liverpool anthem 'You'll never walk alone' in front of the famous Kop stand as fans all around Anfield bellowed the chant.

"I was desperate to win it for them and all the fans around the world, and for us as well," Van Dijk said.

"We have won two Premier League trophies in five years!"

T.Sato--JT