Tears and sunshine greeted the final day of Liverpool's Premier League campaign at Anfield, as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson made their last appearances for the club and the Reds secured a Champions League place for next season despite a draw against Brentford.

The result mattered far less than the occasion. Both Salah and Robertson were substituted in the second half and given a guard of honour by their teammates — closing a nine-year chapter at the club. But beyond the sentiment, the afternoon shone a harsh light on the challenge facing manager Arne Slot heading into the summer.

A title defence in freefall

Twelve months ago, Slot was the toast of English football. Liverpool romped to the Premier League title, dropping just two league matches and averaging 2.4 points per game across their first 34 fixtures. The football was measured and efficient — Liverpool won 21 of the 23 league games in which they scored first.

This season has been a stark reversal. Liverpool lost 12 league matches and 19 across all competitions, averaging a meagre 1.6 points per game to finish on 60 points — the joint-lowest total ever recorded by an English side qualifying for the Champions League through their league position.