MALAYSIAN REDS ON CLOUD NINE AFTER LIVERPOOL SEAL EPL CROWN

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Liverpool fans in Malaysia are still on cloud nine after watching the Mighty Reds thump Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at Anfield to finally lay their hands on the 2024/25 English Premier League (EPL) title on Sunday (early this morning Malaysian time).

What makes this triumph even more memorable is that it sees the Reds securing the title with four games to spare and equalling arch-rivals Manchester United's record of 20 top-flight titles.

This remarkable achievement was not lost on die-hard Liverpool fan Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.

“Overwhelmed with happiness!” he said in a succinct reply to Bernama today.

But was this title triumph one that Malaysian Liverpool fans saw coming?

All Reds Malaysia fan club member S. Ragunath certainly did not. Like most other Liverpool fans, he wasn't sure what to expect when Arne Slot took over as head coach last May.

“I didn’t know much about Slot (back then) and that’s why most of us never expected this positive outcome. Although Arsenal gave us a good fight, our team remained consistent and, despite needing just a draw against Spurs, we sealed the title in style. Congratulations, Liverpool!” he said. 

Meanwhile, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj said he felt emotional and ecstatic, especially since supporters were able to celebrate the title by being present at Anfield, unlike when Liverpool won the EPL in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Liverpool fan since his primary school days in 1977, he too admitted to being surprised by the Reds’ success this season, more so since Slot had just taken over from the legendary Jurgen Klopp.

“Usually, when there is a new manager, there will be changes to the team’s style of play or player selection. But it seems like Slot fitted in seamlessly by maintaining the same rhythm and using nearly the same players… but with some minor tweaks here and there.

“We could see that even when there was pressure, he remained cool… so different from Klopp. With Klopp, we could see that he wore his heart on his sleeve. But both of them have one thing in common: their ability to get the best out of their players,” he said.

Arul Rajoo said that the opportunity to watch Liverpool play against Brentford in London in January made the title triumph even sweeter.

Liverpool’s dominance this season even had rival fans in awe, with Manchester United Supporters Club Malaysia president Raf Yaakob putting club rivalry aside to acknowledge the Reds’ excellence and congratulate them on their stylish victory.

“We cannot deny that Liverpool have become a stronger team compared to Manchester United recently. So, as United fans, we have to accept (the reality), stay quiet and accept this situation. And yes, congratulations again on the win," he said.

With the win over Spurs, Liverpool have now captured the EPL crown for only the second time after Klopp led them to glory in the 2019/20 season.

With four games to go, Liverpool have now taken an unassailable lead at the top of the EPL standings with 82 points, with Arsenal second on 67 points.

-- BERNAMA