In a heartwarming display of mutual respect, Liverpool and Crystal Palace exchanged guards of honour at Anfield on the final day of the 2024–25 Premier League season. This rare gesture underscored the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie between the two clubs.
Liverpool, having clinched their 20th top-flight title with four games to spare, were first honoured by Crystal Palace players who lined up to applaud the champions onto the pitch. This marked the culmination of a series of guards of honour Liverpool received from their final opponents, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Brighton.
In a reciprocal act, Liverpool then formed their own guard of honour for Crystal Palace, who had recently secured their first-ever major trophy by defeating Manchester City 1–0 in the FA Cup final on May 17, 2025. This mutual recognition highlighted the achievements of both clubs in a season filled with memorable moments.
The tradition of the guard of honour, while not mandatory, is a respected practice in football, symbolizing acknowledgment of a team's accomplishments. Its application in this context, celebrating both league and cup successes, exemplifies the deep-rooted values of respect and sportsmanship in the sport.
'I Won’t Name Any...': Mikel Arteta Addresses Rodrygo Transfer Rumors, Emphasizes Arsenal’s Ambition For Major Trophies; Video
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has responded to speculation linking Real Madrid forward Rodrygo to the North London club, stopping short of confirming any direct interest but underlining the Gunners' clear intent to strengthen ahead of a decisive 2025/26 season.
“I won’t name any specific player,” Arteta said when asked about the Rodrygo rumours. “But we have brought the club into a position that next season, you have to win a major trophy.”
The comments reflect the club’s elevated expectations following back-to-back seasons of competing at the top in both domestic and European football. Under Arteta, Arsenal have evolved into one of the Premier League’s most consistent and formidable sides, narrowly missing out on silverware but consistently challenging the continent’s elite.
“Everybody believes that we are an elite team in this country and in Europe. Arsenal is there,” Arteta asserted, pointing to the club’s transformation in recent years. Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, Arteta was clear about the squad’s needs: “We have to add goals, creativity, and we have to add numbers, and that will be in different positions.”
While the manager didn’t confirm whether Rodrygo — who remains a key player at Real Madrid — is a target, his remarks suggest that Arsenal will be aggressive in the market, seeking attacking reinforcements capable of pushing the club over the line in major competitions.
