Premier League returns and Liverpool quench thirst of 30 years

When the return of the English Premier League was announced, there was one particular group of fans happier than any others. Liverpool had taken the league by storm after finishing as runners-up last season and had taken an impressive lead on the top of the league when it was called off mid-March, only nine games left in the season.

The return of the EPL in late June meant that Liverpool had a chance to secure their title in two games as their closest rival and reigning champions Manchester City were 25 points behind. The return did not go as planned, as the local rivals Everton fought to a vigorous draw at Goodison Park, while Manchester City trashed Arsenal and Burnley 3-0 and 5-0, closing the gap to 20 points by using their game in hand.

However, had they needed it or not, Liverpool received some serious assistance in their long due title bid from an unexpected direction: Frank Lampard’s Chelsea. After Liverpool had done their part in pounding Crystal Palace 4-0 at home, the Blues surprised Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, taking all three points with a 2-1 victory helping Liverpool to their first title in 30 years with seven games left to go.

Liverpool’s title was duly deserves as the team took an impressive lead from the start and did not lose but once for the inaugural season of 29 games. Continuation of the games during the summer came as a blessing for those starved Liverpool supporters, who came so close last season and were almost denied once more. Winning the Champions League last season nurtured some of the old wounds, but only finally capturing the EPL title could ease the agony of the Liverpool fanbase.

While Liverpool’s title is secured, strangely enough, already in early July, there’s still plenty to play for in the EPL – at the both ends of the table. Champions League spots are very much up for grabs, with City, Leicester, Chelsea, Manchester United and Wolverhampton still in the mix and with the relegation battle raging on. It will be an interesting summer of football, after all!