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Trent Alexander-Arnold hails "massive win" with Liverpool on cusp of title

Trent Alexander-Arnold hails
© Reuters
Trent Alexander-Arnold whipped in a free-kick as the Reds demolished Crystal Palace.

Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold hailed a "massive win" as the Premier League champions-elect moved to the brink of clinching the title.

A first championship in 30 years is almost in their grasp after Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho tore Crystal Palace apart in a one-sided 4-0 victory at Anfield, four days after a goalless Merseyside derby.

"It's a massive win I think," the England defender told Sky Sports. "The lads have done really well.

"It's been a difficult game for us, it was obviously quite disappointing to only get the draw on Sunday on our first game back.

"It's great to be back at Anfield after what has gone on. It couldn't have gone any better for us, so we're made up with the win."

The full-back felt his stunning free-kick made amends for missed opportunities against Merseyside rivals Everton.

"I've been practising a lot," he added. "I had a few chances against Everton that I was disappointed not to score with, but I got the chance today and I was able to put it away.

"It was good to get the ball rolling for the lads and we kicked on from there."

Alexander-Arnold was hesitant to begin celebrating Liverpool's first Premier League title win since 1990, but said: "It's two points so it's close. A lot can happen in the Premier League but we're close."

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's only regret was that no fans could witness the win inside Anfield.

He said: "Imagine if the stadium could have been full today and people could have experienced that live. It would have been amazing.

"I don't think the game would have been better to be honest, because my boys played like everybody was in the stadium. They were pushing themselves.

Liverpool v Crystal Palace – Premier League – Anfield
Jurgen Klopp regretted an empty stadium for such a performance (Phil Noble/NMC Pool/PA)

"The atmosphere on the pitch was incredible. I said before, as this part of the season started, that I would like to see some of the best games behind closed doors, ever, because I hope it doesn't happen often.

"That was the best counter-pressing game I have ever seen behind closed doors. The attitude the boys showed was amazing. I liked it, a lot."

Salah believed the squad were motivated not only by their imminent title victory, but also by the desire to play entertaining football for the fans who cannot attend.

Liverpool v Crystal Palace – Premier League – Anfield
Mo Salah scores against Palace (Paul Ellis/NMC Pool/PA)

"Two points to go and win the league, it's great," he said.

"We had a great performance today and I'm happy with the result and looking forward to the next games.

"All the players are motivated. The team are motivated to win the league and play the best sport behind closed doors."

"We've waited a long time for this and we've worked hard for this over the last few years as a team.

"As a club this is what we've dreamed of and we're in a good position, so hopefully we'll be able to get it across the line very soon."

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pictured on June 21, 2020
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


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