Liverpool on Thursday won their first ever English Premier League title, and their first league title in 30 years, after Chelsea beat second-placed Manchester City 2-1 at home.

The result meant City, with 63 points, cannot catch up with Liverpool, who are on 86 points with seven games remaining for each team.

Liverpool took one step closer to the crown on Wednesday with a 4-0 thumping of Crystal Palace at Anfield. A pleased-as-punch coach Juergen Klopp said the players had created their own atmosphere in front of an empty Kop, as the Anfield’s main stand is called.

The first game at Liverpool’s home since the stoppage brought four superb goals — from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Fabinho and Sadio Mane, each special in different ways — that earned Liverpool the three points.

“Imagine if this stadium would have been full on today (Wednesday) and all the people could have experienced it live,” said Klopp. “I don’t think the game could have been better because my boys played like everybody was in the stadium,” he said.

“Four-nil up in the 87th minute and four players chasing one Crystal Palace player like it’s the only ball in the world, I like it so much, wonderful result and a wonderful game.

“The way they played, the passion we showed was so exceptional, there were moments that I couldn’t believe it.

“On the pitch I don’t think we’d have done better with a crowd, I don’t think we can do better. I’m so happy that we showed that we do it for the people even when they’re not really here,” the German added.

City’s clash with Liverpool next Thursday (July 2) will take place at the Etihad Stadium and not at a neutral ground, despite concerns that the venue may attract supporters.