Football: Liverpool receive Premier League trophy, as fans crowd outside Anfield

Liverpool have lifted the Premier League trophy for the first time in an empty Anfield, after their 5-3 win over Chelsea on Thursday (NZ time). 

Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish handed captain Jordan Henderson the trophy and the 'Reds' celebrated their first English title in 30 years, despite the absence of fans in the stadium.

Outside the gates was a different story though, as thousands of supporters gathered in the streets, letting off flares and fireworks to celebrate. 

Fans were pictured welcoming the team bus into Anfield and stayed until the match was over. 

Despite pleas from the Merseyside Police and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to stay at home amid the coronavirus pandemic, some fans are determined not to miss out on the party.

"A dispersal zone is now in place outside #Anfield Stadium following increased numbers of people gathering near to the ground tonight," tweets the Merseyside Police. 

"Please don't put yourselves and others at risk, the best view of the trophy presentation will be on the TV."

Players sang the club's famous anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' on the pitch, after lifting the trophy.

“Winning the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid," Henderson told Sky SportS UK.

"That's why you join Liverpool, you want to win trophies - the expectations are so high. 

"When you come as a young player, it was so difficult, but it has been a process, a journey that doesn’t happen overnight. It's been five years since the 'gaffer' [Klopp] came in and every single player has been a part of that journey."

Jurgen Klopp.
Jurgen Klopp. Photo credit: Getty

Liverpool clinched the title with seven games to spare last month, when Chelsea beat second-placed Manchester City, but they had to wait until the final game of the season to lift the silverware. 

Meanwhile, Manchester United moved into third with their 1-1 draw against West Ham. 

The draw means West Ham will remain in the Premier League next season. 

Elsewhere, West Bromwich Albion earned automatic promotion to the Premier League, after their 1-1 draw against Queens Park Rangers, and Brentford lost to Barnsley.