Graphic showing top six table when conceding first:

Pos Team              P     GD  PTS
1	Brighton	17	-11	20
2	Liverpool	13	6	19
3	Man City	14	-4	19
4	Newcastle	20	-15	19
5	Fulham	        16	-5	18
6	Aston Villa	14	-12	18

As the dust settles on the 2024-25 Premier League season, we have been taking a look at some of the alternative ways the the table could have finished...

"We never do it the easy way."

Something muttered by many a football fan as they watch their side go 1-0 down again.

As frustrating as it can be watching from the stands or on the TV, it is a position some teams thrive in.

Luring the opposition into a false sense of security, it is almost as though they do not get going until they have given the other team a chance.

And if the league was measured on how well a team bounces back after conceding the first goal, then this season would have seen Brighton coming away with a Premier League title.

There were 17 occasions in 2024-25 when the Seagulls conceded the first goal, but from those they came back to win five and draw five - rescuing 20 points in the process.

It will not have made for comfortable watching for the fans, but it does show the tenacity of Fabian Hurzeler's side to turn a match around.

The sign of champions is to win when you are not at your best and that is what Liverpool did this campaign. They may not have have conceded first as often as Brighton, but they still came back to win four times and draw seven.

It will not have always helped the cause of those chasing European spots, but Newcastle, Fulham and Aston Villa all showed the resilience that they could go one-goal down and still get much-needed points from a game.

At the other end of the scale, while some teams thrive in this situation, others flounder.

Nottingham Forest surprised many onlookers going from relegation candidates to battling for a Champions League spot in less than 12 months.

But key to that was their defence. There were not many occasions where they went 1-0 down - however, when they did, their ability to turn it around was in relegation territory.

The silver-lining for Reds fans, though, is that they really did make it difficult for the opposition to get in front and this is a strength they will hope to build on going forwards.

Graphic showing bottom six table when conceding first:

Pos Team                              P     GD  PTS
15	Wolves	                        23	-27	11
16	Leicester City	        30	-49	11
17	West Ham	                21	-30	6
18	Nottingham Forest	12	-17	5
19	Ipswich Town	        22	-44	3
20	Southampton	        25	-51	2
  • 'I will always have a special place in my heart for this club and city'published at 08:00 4 June

    Caoimhin Kelleher celebratesImage source, Getty Images

    Caoimhin Kelleher has posted an emotional goodbye to Liverpool on his Instagram , external.

    The 26-year-old goalkeeper has ended his 10-year association with the Reds, ing Brentford to pursue the opportunity of being first choice.

    Kelleher's farewell message read:

    "I came to this club as a 16-year-old boy - 10 years later, I could never have dreamed of the journey I would go on.

    "To have the opportunity to play for this club was something I never took for granted and the memories I have I will cherish forever. From making my debut to winning trophies, I have loved it all.

    "Thank you to everyone at the club. From the staff, to my coaches and my team-mates past and present, you have all helped shape me into the man I am today.

    "To the fans - thank you for the amazing throughout the years. I have always felt the love and it means a lot.

    "I will always have a special place in my heart for this club and city. Thank you all and good luck for the future.

    "You'll Never Walk Alone."

    Under the post, several fans and people associated with Liverpool wished him well for the future.

    Left-back Andy Robertson wrote: "Absolute legend! What a player - even better person."

    Young midfielder Tyler Morton posted: "Legend in every way! All the best, my mate."

    Former Reds goalkeeper coach John Achterberg wrote: "Yes, Quive. Next step. Great to see your way of training and playing. You deserve all for your hard work!"

  • What makes Frimpong different to Alexander-Arnold?published at 18:18 3 June

    Jeremie Frimpong Image source, Getty Images

    German football expert Kevin Hatchard has outlined the differences between Liverpool's latest right-back g Jeremie Frimpong and the departed Trent Alexander-Arnold.

    "They're very different in the way they interpret the position," Hatchard told BBC Radio Merseyside. "If you look at the way Trent Alexander-Arnold plays, he's very much a er, somebody who will send the ball in from different angles.

    "You look at Frimpong and he's a carrier. He uses his pace, tries to get beyond people and make space that way. So, they're both attack-minded but they interpret it in a very different way.

    "If you look at Frimpong's strengths, he's quick, he carries the ball well and he's added goals to his game in recent seasons. He's versatile and he has worked hard on the defensive part of his game, but he probably has a lot of work to do in that regard as well.

    "He's a very energetic and lively team-mate and he's a lot of fun. But I think this Bayer Leverkusen spell has been so instructive for him, playing for a coach like Xabi Alonso, becoming a leader, somebody who's performed well not only in the Bundesliga but the Champions League as well.

    "We've seen him grow and become more much consistent."

    Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds here

  • Kelleher completes Brentford switchpublished at 16:14 3 June

    Caoimhin Kelleher for LiverpoolImage source, Getty Images

    Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has completed a move to Brentford for a fee of £12.5m, rising to £18m with add-ons.

    The 26-year-old academy product made 25 league appearances and played in more than 40 cup games, winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and the Super Cup.

    Kelleher also goes down in the club's history books as the only goalkeeper to have won four penalty shootouts as a Liverpool player.

    The Reds have sold the Republic of Ireland international with Valencia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili ing them in July to compete for the number one shirt with established first choice Alisson.

    "I don't think it was very difficult for me to leave [Liverpool]," said Kelleher. "I felt for my own career that the time was right for me to go, to be a number one and to play every week.

    "I heard of some interest a number of weeks ago. Once I knew Brentford was in for me, it was definitely one I was really excited about and wanted to do as quickly as possible."

  • 'We'll find the best solution for everyone' - Chiesapublished at 15:03 3 June

    Federico Chiesa for Liverpool Image source, PA Media

    Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa says he is still preparing for a return to Merseyside for next season but has not ruled out a move back to Italy's Serie A.

    "That's something to think about during the summer," Chiesa told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.

    "My family, my agent and I have a great relationship with Liverpool, and the goal is to be ready for the pre-season. We'll find the best solution for everyone. I work every day with a Liverpool programme to be in top shape for the tests on July 8.

    "While out of the squad [at Juventus], I was able to train in great condition, but I missed playing friendlies. I had to start from scratch at Liverpool and that held me back.

    "I hope [next season] it's my season. My dream is to participate in the World Cup."

  • What's next? 'I'd move heaven and earth to buy Alvarez'published at 12:13 3 June

    Jordan Chamberlain
    Fan writer

    Liverpool fan's voice banner
    Julian AlvarezImage source, Getty Images

    It is going to be the most exciting transfer window in living memory, first up.

    Liverpool under FSG have typically not spent very much. When we did, on Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, it was bankrolled by the £142m sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

    Last summer, Arne Slot's first in charge, we only brought in Federico Chiesa, who despite having one of best chants of the season, barely had a kick.

    But all the noise suggests a stratospheric and - hopefully - dynasty-defining summer.

    Jeremie Frimpong has already signed to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who somehow earned Liverpool almost £10m from Real Madrid despite being out of contract in a matter of weeks.

    The big one is Florian Wirtz. The German is nearly over the line for what will be a British record fee. Adding one of the world's best playmakers to an attack which includes Mo Salah and Luis Diaz is an enormous statement of intent.

    Milos Kerkez is close to g at left-back, too. The Hungarian was the Premier League's best left-back last term and will be an upgrade on Andy Robertson. It is exceptional business.

    We still need a new centre-forward, given the probable departure of Darwin Nunez and maybe even Diogo Jota, but there is no firm news yet on who that will be.

    If it were me, I would move heaven and earth to buy Julian Alvarez. The Argentine works his socks off, is a brilliant finisher from inside and outside the box and is selfless in his play.

    He is the perfect foil given Salah will play from the right and do little defensive work, with Wirtz in pockets of space in central areas.

    Atletico Madrid are apparently keen on Nunez, so perhaps something can be done swapping the South American strikers, although this is very speculative.

    And in an ideal world, I would hope Liverpool have a look at Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, too. The Englishman would suit a fluid, ball-playing midfield perfectly.

    Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

  • 'It would be a statement g... it's an enormous coup'published at 11:53 3 June

    Florian WirtzImage source, Getty Images

    German football expert Kevin Hatchard spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside on the prospect of Liverpool g Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.

    "The talk [between Liverpool and Leverkusen] is about the fee and the structure of the fee," Hatchard said.

    "It seems Wirtz and Liverpool have agreed personal - that's the first building block.

    "The received wisdom in not long ago was that he was going to Bayern. That was the feeling Bayern had, the feeling most people in had but now the feeling is that he really is off to Liverpool and that's that.

    "If Liverpool really do pull this off, I have to say it's a statement g. It's an enormous coup.

    "But Leverkusen will be very savvy and they know what they have. Double figures in goals and assists in the last two seasons. This is a top, top player who's only 22. Leverkusen know they have the jewel in the crown and they won't give him up easily.

    "There's a manner of things Wirtz could do. He gives you lots of options because wherever he plays – his touch, his intelligence, it's all going to be there. The work rate without the ball is phenomenal and he has the numbers to back it up."

    Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds here

  • What if... the season was all about the first 45 minutes?published at 09:21 3 June

    Nicola Pearson
    BBC Sport journalist

    Graphic showing first-half table top six:

Pos Team              P     GD  PTS
1	Arsenal	        38	19	73
2	Man City	38	19	69
3	Liverpool	38	19	66
4	Brentford	38	11	64
5	Newcastle	38	13	62
6	Forest	        38	11	59

    As the dust settles on the 2024-25 Premier League season, we have been taking a look at some of the alternative ways the the table could have finished...

    Football games are 90 minutes long. They have been for more than 150 years.

    So, what if they weren't? What if only the first 45 minutes mattered?

    Some teams like to lead from the front, come out the blocks flying and try and get the job done before half-time.

    If that had been the case this season and it all came down to that first half showing, then it would not have been Liverpool lifting the trophy, but in fact Arsenal winning their first league title in over 20 years.

    With 20 wins, 13 draws and five defeats, the Gunners were the kings of the first half.

    Four points behind them were Manchester City - a team that has for so long been able to control games from start to finish, but during their difficult spell with injuries and results, this was something they seemed to lack.

    If the league really came down to this metric, Brentford fans would be planning for a Champions League adventure. While the Bees were fast starters this campaign, being able to back that up across the 90 minutes was their Achilles heel (ranking 14th in the second half).

    And what about this year's Premier League champions? Arsenal may have had the number when it came to first halves, but Liverpool well and truly led the way in the second...

    What if the season was all about the second 45 minutes?

    Graphic showing second-half table top six:

Pos Team                      P     GD  PTS
1	Liverpool	        38	25	81
2	Chelsea	                38	13	62
3	Man City	        38	9	62
4	Arsenal	                38	16	61
5	Crystal Palace	38	5	60
6	Newcastle	        38	7	56

    While some prefer to get their nose in front, others prefer a half-time reset or back themselves to get the job done later in the game.

    One of those teams was Arne Slot's Reds.

    They won 24 of their 38 second-halves, drew nine and lost just five. If it was this 45 minutes alone that counted, they would have had 81 points and - just like in the actual season - been runaway winners.

    Another club that enjoyed success after half time was Chelsea.

    Ranking seventh in the first-half table, the Blues were often in a position where they needed to turn things around or dig out a result in the second 45 and, despite the young age of the team, managed 17 wins in second halves.

    A side deserving an honourable mention here is Crystal Palace.

    They may have finished 12th in the 2024-25 league table after a underwhelming start, but when it came to getting a result in the second half, with 16 wins,12 draws and 10 defeats, they were up there alongside some of the best in the league.

    *Table data from Football365

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  • Will there be any departures at Anfield?published at 08:29 3 June

    Ibrahima Konate for LiverpoolImage source, Getty Images

    BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has been answering your questions on the summer transfer window.

    Adam asked: Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez look inbound, but what about exits at Liverpool? Any insight into who may be leaving Anfield this summer?

    Sami answered: One name to keep an eye on is Ibrahima Konate. He is in talks over a new contract, but his existing deal expires at the end of next season. If an agreement can't be reached it will be interesting to see if Liverpool consider offers for the international to avoid losing him for nothing in 2026.

    Paris St-Germain and Al-Hilal are the clubs I've heard who have an interest in Konate.

    What happens with him could impact how Liverpool approach the futures of fellow centre-backs Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez, who have Premier League interest.

    Elsewhere, Darwin Nunez could leave, with his departure expected to pave the way for a new striker.

    Look back at the Q&A here

  • Gossip: Bayer Leverkusen want £127m for Wirtzpublished at 08:02 3 June

    Gossip graphic

    Liverpool have agreed a contract with midfielder Florian Wirtz until 2030, but have yet to agree a fee for the 22-year-old, with Bayer Leverkusen rejecting a 130m euros (£110m) offer from the Reds as they hold out for 150m euros (£127m). (Bild - in German), external

    Barcelona have started initial talks with Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, 28, with interest from Saudi Arabia for the Colombian. (Florian Plettenberg), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  • Ask our pundit - send in your questionspublished at 19:51 2 June

    BBC Sport columnist Nedum Onuoha

    BBC Sport pundit Nedum Onuoha has given us his insight and opinion every fortnight on your Premier League club throughout this season.

    But this week, he's in the hotseat for your questions.

    Maybe ask him who should be on your club's radar this summer, or where a rumoured target or new g might fit into the team.

    Perhaps see what he thinks about how successful a new recruit might be, who it is vital to keep, or what is needed to make next season a success.

    Send in your questions here and we'll put a selection to him

  • 'When Barcelona calls, few can resist' - fans on Diaz futurepublished at 17:01 2 June

    Your views banner
    Arne Slot talking with Luis DiazImage source, Getty Images

    Earlier on Monday, we told you about emotional social media posts put out by Luis Diaz and his partner. The messages have prompted further debate on whether the Colombian is getting ready to leave Liverpool.

    We asked you what you thought about him possibly leaving and how the Reds would replace him.

    Here are some more of your replies:

    Dan: I'm worried about Diaz going. Yes, he has shown inconsistency, but his work-rate is so underrated. He does a lot of chasing, defending and winning the ball back, which you struggle to find from your top forward players. Eight or nine players could be leaving and that's a lot of bonding and understanding lost. It could be unsettling.

    Ab: Diaz's work-rate is exceptional but he hasn't really contributed as much as Sadio Mane did, not only in of goals scored but drawing players away to open up the defence for Bobby Firmino and Mo Salah to score. If we can get 'top dollar' for Diaz, then we can reinvest in someone who can deliver Mane levels and can really push Cody Gakpo (assuming Bayern Munich don't steal him from us!)

    Mike: If Diaz goes then it will be a blow as his scoring record last season was good to make up for no effective number nine. His threat, energy levels and low injury record make him difficult to replace, albeit his contract has two years left. We need to have five forward players as this has given us the upper hand time and time again.

    Kev: I would let him go - especially as we have Gakpo, who is a very similar player in style. If Florian Wirtz does come then his time would be limited.

    Paul: I would let Gapko go before Diaz. Although his end product is questionable, Diaz gives everything on the pitch. Gapko may have scored more, but his ing, overall quality and work-rate aren't good. I have said all season that if we can get good replacements, let Gapko, Diaz and Darwin Nunez go. Replace them with two top quality players - Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon?

    Alastair: When Barcelona come calling, few can resist. Gakpo is happiest cutting in from the left and I expect him to fill Diaz's boots, so it's all about who provides cover. Will it be Milos Kerkez roaming forward with Andy Robertson or Kostas Tsimikas behind him. Or will Liverpool spring a surprise with an academy promotion?

  • Is Kelleher to Brentford the bargain of the summer? Transfer window Q&Apublished at 14:52 2 June

    Sami Mokbel
    Senior football correspondent

    Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool Image source, Getty Images

    BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has been answering your questions on the summer transfer window.

    Rob asked: How on earth are Brentford getting Kelleher from Liverpool for only £18m? That might be the bargain of the whole transfer window already.

    Sami answered: It may well be the bargain of the summer, Rob. He is clearly a talented goalkeeper. But consider this: Kelleher is 26 and has only made 25 Premier League starts. That isn't a vast body of work to consider. Liverpool know that. Brentford will have used that to drive the price down. There is also no telling how Kelleher will adapt to becoming a Premier League club's first choice keeper because he has never been in the position before. Add to that that Kelleher's contract at Anfield expires next summer when he can leave for nothing and the anticipated arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, who will compete with Allison Becker to be first-choice, Kelleher's days at Liverpool were numbered. In many ways, Liverpool have done well to get £18m!

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  • What can Liverpool spend this summer?published at 14:52 2 June

    Steve Sutcliffe
    BBC Sport journalist

    Arne Slot looks on smiling with Premier League winners medalImage source, Getty Images

    The manner in which Arne Slot guided Liverpool to the Premier League title last term means they should be even stronger this time around.

    With Federico Chiesa the only incoming transfer for a modest £10m last term, they have already signalled their intent this summer by g Netherlands international Jeremie Frimpong, with midfielder Florian Wirtz a £109m target from Bayer Leverkusen.

    "Liverpool have been outside of the top 10 spenders on player gs since 2019, but their model is a classic case of being smarter rather than bigger," said football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

    "Contract extensions for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are arguably worth far more to the club than a huge investment in untried new players - they certainly have the capacity to spend £200m but whether that fits with their model is another matter."

    Read more about the early transfer window and what each Premier League club can spend this summer

  • Is Diaz set to leave and how will Liverpool replace him? published at 11:47 2 June

    Your views banner
    Luis Diaz lifts Premier League trophyImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on whether Luis Diaz is set to leave Liverpool and if so, how will the Reds replace him?

    Here are some of your comments:

    Razi: I'd go for Kenan Yildiz from Juventus. A very underrated player but the style is similar to Diaz. We will miss Diaz though and I wish him nothing but success if he leaves. Whoever gets him will be getting a proper left winger. But if you want to keep winning trophies, you've got to do what's best for the club and let even the club cult heroes and favourites leave. It's harsh but true.

    Jason: A controversial view perhaps but Diaz leaving is great news in my opinion. His work rate is unquestioned (this should be the bare minimum though from any pro) but his penetration and ability to create from wide left just isn't good enough. Lots of running - with and without the ball - but just not enough end product for me. Reinvest the proceeds in Eze for a like-for-like replacement or put the money towards a number nine like Ekitike. Diaz's departure allows Gakpo to nail the left side slot and may create space for Doak to shine?

    Roger: Diaz would be a huge miss if he leaves. Goal scoring wingers do not come along often, and add in his work rate - he just seems to run forever. There have been several conflicting messages in the last year or so regarding his future, but the latest reports sound very ominous. If he leaves, whatever we get for him won't be enough, but we've been privileged to have had a player who has never ever given less than 100%.

    Mike: Losing Diaz would be a big blow, but perhaps a player exchange might suit us. I think Barcelona have a young prospect called Yamal that might work!

    Rob: Too many changes in the squad would not be good and Diaz was an important player in winning the league. It would have to take stupid money to let him go just now.

    Ross: If Nico Williams is really available, then why not him? Eberechi Eze would also be great, especially as he would help our homegrown numbers with Quansah and Elliott looking like leaving.

    Karl: Contract is king. If he wants to go that's fine, but it's on the club's . The club needs to be happy with the deal. The money will help fund the incoming players. From what I can see, the gs are improvements.

    Brayden: Sure hope we don't lose him. His value to this squad is massively understated. Always a menace causing issues for the opposition and in doing so, creating spaces for team-mates. Doesn't disappear for chunks in the season either.

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  • Is Diaz set for Anfield exit?published at 08:34 2 June

    Luis DiazImage source, Getty Images

    The prospect of Luis Diaz leaving Liverpool stiffened over the weekend as both the Colombian winger and his partner put emotive posts up on social media.

    Diaz wrote on Instagram that "anyone who plays for this badge is bound to miss this incredible atmosphere one day".

    He added: "My thanks go to everyone: teammates, coaching staff, club staff and ers. It was an unforgettable season, one I will always carry in my heart!"

    His partner meanwhile posted: "From the first day we arrived, we felt first hand what it means to be a part of this club. We knew the slogan was "You'll Never Walk Alone", but to hear them sing it with so much ion, each other at every moment and show such unconditional love... confirmed to us that here you never walk alone.

    "This fan doesn't just , it feels. And what you have made my boyfriend and our entire family feel is something we carry in our souls.

    "Thank you for so much love, for so much dedication and for making us feel at home. Being a part of this fan is a privilege. There's no doubt: they're the best in the world.

    "This is a real bond, deep and strong, that reaffirms that we'll never walk alone."

    The social media posts come as German media report Diaz has decided to leave, while the Spanish press report Barcelona are keen on his signature.

    So what do you think? If Liverpool lose such a key face, how do they replace him?

    Tell us

    Have your say banner
  • Is Kerkez set to leave?published at 08:33 2 June

    Milos KerkezImage source, Getty Images

    Milos Kerkez has dropped a small hint over his Bournemouth future by telling fans he doesn't "know what will happen" in the next week.

    The full-back has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks.

    In an Instagram post, he told ers: "38 games, 38 started, we finished the job and broke the record. Thanks to the fans and everyone for . Thanks to the gaffer for trusting me to start all 38 games and special thanks to the one above for keeping me safe and healthy and of course nothing would be possible without my family.

    "I don't know what will happen in the next week but Cherries family thank you!"

  • Gossip: English duo could be used in Wirtz dealpublished at 07:59 2 June

    Gossip graphic

    Liverpool have failed with two offers for Bayer Leverkusen's German playmaker Florian Wirtz, 22, and may have to offer England Under-21 pair Harvey Elliott, 22, and Jarell Quansah, 22, in part-exchange. (Kicker via Mirror), external

    Liverpool are preparing to make a formal bid for Bournemouth's Hungary left-back Milos Kerkez, 21, who has already agreed to the move and is valued by the Cherries at more than £40m. (GiveMeSport), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport