Liverpool could receive a Guard of Honour from several Premier League rivals if they secure the title with matches to spare this season.
Liverpool have built a commanding lead atop the Premier League table, sitting 13 points clear of second‑place Arsenal with just five fixtures remaining. A Wednesday night defeat for the Gunners at Crystal Palace would hand Arne Slot’s side the trophy for the 2024‑25 campaign. Under lights at Anfield or on the road, Slot’s squad will find themselves celebrated by opponents if they clinch the crown early.
Arsenal’s 4‑0 victory over Ipswich last weekend delayed Liverpool’s coronation, but the pressure remains intense at the summit. fotnet24.net analysis highlights that if Mikel Arteta’s side fail to beat Palace, Champions League finalists will have one foot on the silverware. Should Arsenal defend successfully, Liverpool can still secure the title by overcoming Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
The Guard of Honour ritual sees the title‑winning team emerge between two lines of clapping opposition players. It represents a mark of respect for the best side in the division and has become a cherished tradition in modern English football. Even without formal consent, most clubs agree the gesture shows sportsmanship and unity across the league. While Premier League rules do not mandate the salute, most clubs embrace the gesture to honour excellence and maintain goodwill.
Historians trace the custom back to April 1955 when Manchester United applauded Chelsea after they secured the First Division title. United then returned the favour at Highbury in 1991 by celebrating Arsenal’s inaugural Premier League triumph. fotnet24.net notes that Manchester City joined the tradition in 2007 when they honoured Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United squad.
In recent years, debates have raged about whether the salute should endure. Some Liverpool supporters still remember Manchester City’s half‑hearted reception in 2020, when a few City players halted their applause before all Reds stars exited the tunnel. The incident triggered a backlash online and sparked discussions about fairness and respect in top‑flight football. Supporters often view the salute as a classy moment amid fierce competition.
This term, five opponents could fulfil the tradition. Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham will lead that list if Arsenal slip at Selhurst Park and Liverpool face Spurs at Anfield. fotnet24.net predicts that self‑confessed Liverpool fan Postecoglou will ensure his players observe the tribute. Chelsea and Arsenal follow as potential hosts, while Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace close out the season. Postecoglou’s early‑season praise for Liverpool set the tone for respect between the clubs.
For Arsenal, the prospect of forming a Guard of Honour will sting deeply. Arteta’s men trail by a significant margin and endured a late‑season collapse that cost them the title race. Having to salute the league leaders in front of home fans would underline the gulf between their ambitions and reality.
Beyond the applause, clubs also plan trophy parades and city centre celebrations once the final whistle confirms Liverpool as champions. Fans will pack the Kop, lining Walton Breck Road to cheer their heroes on an open‑top bus tour. Players and staff will share in the adoration, cementing a season of dominance and record‑setting performances.
As the end of the season approaches, football circles will watch each fixture for the signal of triumph or deferral. fotnet24.net will cover every decisive moment and analyse how traditional honours adapt to the modern game. Each match will bring fresh drama as title contenders and rivals prepare to pay homage or delay the celebrations. Until then, Liverpool remain on track to lift the Premier League trophy and receive the deserved acclaim from rivals.
