LIVERPOOL played their part in a title race which went down to the final game of the season, securing the win they needed while hoping Manchester City slipped up against Brighton on the south coast.

Sadio Mane bagged a brace for the Reds in what was at times a disjointed display — perhaps understandable given their efforts against Barcelona in midweek.

Trent Alexander-Arnold provided the assists for both goals, giving him 13 for the season which is a Premier League record for a defender.

Wolves played their part and showed glimpses of the side which has been so good against the top teams this season. It gives their own fans hope that they can break into the top six and challenge for the European spots in years to come.

Matt Doherty skimmed the top of the bar and Diogo Jota forced a save from Alisson, but there was also an end of season feel to the Wolves’ performance, knowing that their position in the table would not be affected by this result.

There was a moment of hope for Liverpool as news rippled around the stadium that Brighton had taken the lead against City. It was a period of panic and joy as fans desperately searched for confirmation of the goal, but it was short-lived as the news of two City goals filtered through just as quickly.

By the time Virgil van Dijk hit the bar with a header late on, the destination of the title was already known.

But amid the disappointment a moment of joy, as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made another appearance on his comeback from the serious knee injury which has kept him out for most of this season.

It was a move by Klopp which lifted the spirits and fans in Anfield reverted to European mode, running through renditions of songs usually reserved for continental competition.

Following an unprecedented league season Liverpool finish empty-handed domestically, but will be confident that this is just the start of a period of their history during which they will regularly challenge for league titles once again.

They now have a Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur to look forward to in Madrid, where they hope to lift their sixth European Cup.