
Liverpool moved to within touching distance of their first title in 30 years as Crystal Palace were brutally dismissed behind closed doors at Anfield.
Manchester City must now win at Chelsea on Thursday to further delay the inevitability of Liverpool’s coronation as Premier League champions.
After the goalless Merseyside derby at Everton on Sunday, they shook off the cobwebs in their first home game since the campaign was halted because of the coronavirus pandemic to beat Palace with almost embarrassing ease.
Anfield may have been home to only around 300 people but Liverpool played with familiar intensity, although Palace’s cause was hardly helped by the early loss of Wilfried Zaha to injury.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was on target with a superb free-kick after 22 minutes and Mohamed Salah effectively settled the contest with a cool finish from Fabinho’s brilliant pass just before the break.
And Fabinho produced something even more special in the 54th minute when he drilled a magnificent rising right-foot finish past Wayne Hennessey from more than 30 yards.
Salah turned provider after 69 minutes with a slide-rule pass to Sadio Mane, who finished with precision as Liverpool’s superiority was stamped all over this game.

Fabinho’s extra special night
Liverpool’s world-class attacking trio of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Salah take most of the headlines – but no-one should underestimate the influence of Brazilian Fabinho.
The languid midfield man is the complete operator and showed all sides of his game in what turned into a stroll.
He ran midfield while demonstrating his class as a creator and goalscorer to simply underline the role he has played in Liverpool’s romp to the Premier League this season.
Fabinho’s pass to pick out Salah for Liverpool’s second goal was a masterpiece of touch and vision, while he again showed his potency from long range by flashing that stunning goal past the helpless Hennessey in front of a Kop populated by flags on what might be their last game before clinching the title.
Liverpool’s season has been a complete team performance and Fabinho, understated but hugely influential, has played his full part despite a lengthy absence through injury in the middle of the campaign.
Palace outclassed on painful night

Crystal Palace arrived at Anfield accompanied by talk of European qualification after a very solid showing under manager Roy Hodgson this season and their very impressive first ‘Project Restart’ win at Bournemouth on Saturday.
Palace had put together four straight Premier League wins but this was a harrowing night, not helped by losing Zaha, their most dangerous player, early on to an injury he appeared to pick up in the warm-up.
For all the good work Palace have done this term, they simply had no answer to Liverpool as they were ripped apart at regular intervals.
Taken in full context, this has still been a fine season for Palace, as they reside comfortably in the top 10.
‘It is a surreal experience’ – Analysis
Liverpool were in the mood and that’s what Jurgen Klopp wanted to see.
A match behind closed doors at Anfield is just a surreal experience. Football is not meant to be like this. You’d be forgiven for thinking this was played out in front of a full and raucous Anfield, though – Liverpool played some fantastic football.
Ex-Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson on BBC Radio 5 Live:
Fabinho has been a good signing – it can take foreign players a while to settle. I can’t remember Jurgen Klopp buying anyone that hasn’t really done it apart from Loris Karius.
Man of the match – Fabinho (Liverpool)

‘We do not want to wait’ – what they said
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports: “Imagine how this stadium would have been full today and all the people could have experienced it live.
“I don’t think the game could have been better because my boys played like everybody was in the stadium. The atmosphere on the pitch was incredible. That was the best counter-pressing game I have ever seen.
“The boys are in good shape and in a good mood and it was important we showed our supporters we are still here and we do not want to wait.”
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson told Sky Sports: “We didn’t need to make any excuses really, but it’s a Liverpool team in incredible form. They were so aggressive, so good in winning the ball back, we had no opportunities to put our foot on the ball and ask them some questions.”
Goals, goals, goals – best of the stats
- This was Liverpool’s 20th win at Anfield in all competitions this season (23rd home match), making them the first club in Europe’s big-five leagues to win 20 home matches in 2019-20
- Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have now won more Premier League games against Crystal Palace (eight) than they have against any other opponent
- Having kept four consecutive clean sheets prior to this defeat, Crystal Palace conceded as many goals against Liverpool in this game as they had in their previous six Premier League games combined
- Liverpool extended their top-flight record to 23 consecutive home victories; the Reds have scored 67 goals in those 23 wins while conceding just 15 in reply
- Liverpool have now scored 100+ goals in all competitions for a third consecutive season, the first time they have done so since 1986-87 (eight in a row)
- Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick was his 30th Premier League goal involvement (five goals, 25 assists); since his debut in December 2016, this is more than any other defender in the competition
- Mane became the 10th player to score in six consecutive Premier League appearances against a single opponent, and the second to do so for Liverpool after Mohamed Salah v Bournemouth.
- Fabinho celebrated his 41st victory in what was his 50th Premier League appearance; only Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben, Ederson (all 42) and Aymeric Laporte (43) won more of their opening 50 games in the competition.
What’s next?
Liverpool could travel to Manchester City as champions on Thursday, 2 July (20:15 BST kick-off). Meanwhile, Crystal Palace host Burnley on Monday, 29 June (20:00 kick-off).

Entertainment Gists
“Lagos Gave Me My Greatest Successes and Deepest Heartbreak”: Cuppy Opens Up in New IFEOLUWA Documentary

On her birthday, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola invites viewers beyond the public image and into a more personal story of home, family, identity and purpose.
For years, Nigerians have known Florence “Cuppy” Otedola as the internationally recognised DJ and philanthropist with the famous pink hair and vibrant public personality. This birthday, she is inviting audiences to see a side of her that rarely takes centre stage.
Released on 11 November 2026, her new 12 minute documentary, IFEOLUWA, follows Cuppy back to Lagos, the city that shaped her and remains close to her heart. It is also, as the film explores, a place connected to some of her greatest successes and deepest heartbreak.

The title IFEOLUWA means “The Love of God”. Rather than another glamorous birthday celebration, Cuppy is marking the occasion by sharing a more reflective portrait of the woman behind the spotlight. The film explores womanhood, ambition, identity, belonging and the ongoing process of becoming.
There are tender moments, too. Viewers see Cuppy not just as a public figure, but as a daughter, sister and granddaughter. Her time with her grandmother offers an especially intimate glimpse of the affection and family ties at the heart of her story.
The documentary also captures an evolution that audiences may already have noticed. The signature pink hair has given way to a new look and a more grounded chapter, with faith, education and service increasingly central to how Cuppy speaks about her future. It is not a rejection of music, but a fuller picture of the person behind it.

Her philanthropic work remains an important part of that picture. Through the Cuppy Foundation, she has helped raise more than $17 million to support displaced children in Nigeria in partnership with Save the Children. She has also established education funds at the University of Oxford, New York University and King’s College London to help students overcome financial barriers, particularly those from Africa.
Alongside this work, Cuppy remains active as an international DJ, with performances including Glastonbury, Wireless Festival and Cannes Lions, as well as events during United Nations General Assembly week.
At its heart, IFEOLUWA is about more than a familiar celebrity image. It is a personal homecoming and an invitation to understand how family, faith, Lagos and lived experience are shaping Cuppy’s next chapter.
Watch IFEOLUWA on YouTube
Entertainment Gists
Druppythekid Set to release New Two-Track Pack

Nigerian emerging artist Druppythekid is set to release his new two-track pack, No Love and LA LA LA (Serenade), on November 13, 2026, delivering a message of ambition, self-belief, and defiance in the face of criticism.
Originally from Kwara State and based in Lagos, Druppythekid developed a love for rap, hip-hop, and pop music as a teenager. Introduced to poetry in high school, he found a natural connection between words and rap, eventually joining a rap group before exploring music production at university. After graduation, he began rapping over his own beats, turning his passion into a growing musical pursuit.
On “No Love,” Druppythekid speaks to the determination required to chase dreams despite doubt and opposition. “LA LA LA (Serenade)” takes a more unapologetic approach, dismissing the opinions of those who never believed in him.
Together, the two records reflect one central message: keep pursuing your vision and never let the opinions of others define your journey.
No Love and LA LA LA (Serenade) arrive on major digital streaming platforms on November 13, 2026.
Entertainment Gists
Who Is Chinwe Zoe? The Nigerian Gospel Singer Behind “Undeniable

Chinwe Zoe, a Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter, began recording music in December 2025 after years of singing in church and at home. Less than a year later, she has released three singles, including “Chinwendum”, featuring gospel singer Frank Edwards, “Undeniable” and “Jesus Don Win”, her October 2026 release produced by Masterkraft.
For Zoe, the decision to record was connected to a personal experience that changed how she viewed her life and faith. She has described it as a near-death experience that left her with a renewed sense of gratitude. “In that moment, when I thought it was over, God showed me mercy,” she said. “He gave me victory. And that victory was too loud to keep inside.”
Her debut, “Chinwendum”, was released in December 2025 with Frank Edwards featured on the record. She followed it with “Undeniable” on May 7, 2026. The song’s official video has recorded more than 460,000 views on YouTube. In October, she released “Jesus Don Win”, produced by Masterkraft, with a video directed by Avalon Okpe.
Zoe’s approach to songwriting draws on personal experiences and scripture. She has said that she does not begin the process by searching for a melody, but by waiting for a message that she can develop into a song. She describes a process in which an experience or scripture stays with her until it takes musical form. The melody follows, and she hums it before committing anything to writing.
Her guiding principle is that a gospel song should be accessible to listeners while remaining suitable for congregational worship. “It should be simple enough for a child to sing and strong enough for a choir to carry,” she said.
Zoe has identified CeCe Winans, Nathaniel Bassey and Dunsin Oyekan among the musicians whose work has influenced her. She sings in English and Igbo, and occasionally in Pidgin, drawing on the worship tradition in her musical expression.
“Every song I sing comes from a place I have lived,” she said. “My pain taught me how to worship, my joy taught me how to praise.”
Her music has also begun attracting an online audience. Her YouTube channel has recorded more than 627,000 views across nine videos, while her Spotify monthly listeners have been reported at approximately 6,500. Her Audiomack profile is verified. Zoe records under her own imprint, H2 Records, with distribution through ONErpm. She made her first public performance at the 2026 Annual Virtuous Women Network conference in Enugu, where she performed “Undeniable”.
Outside music, she has spoken about her interest in soul winning and described it as connected to her musical work. She has also said that she wants her songs to encourage listeners facing difficult circumstances. “I want my songs to shift mindsets from worry to worship,” she said. “Whenever anxiety comes, whenever life tries to make you feel small, I want you to hear my sound in your spirit and declare victory over your life.”
-
Audio10 years agoPage – Day Break Everywhere Burst
-
Audio5 years agoShadykarz – Forever
-
Audio10 years agoJuniorboy ft. 9ice – IRAPADA
-
Entertainment Gists6 years agoEx-Beauty Queen, Sandra Benede Shares Sexy Photo
-
Audio5 years agoSimi – Happy Birthday ft. Adekunle Gold, DeJa
-
Audio5 years agoRuger – Bounce
-
Mixtapes4 years agoMixtape: DJ DimpleNipple – The Best Of Amapiano Thrills
-
Editorials4 years agoSa’eedah Imam On Creating Her Imprint In The Nigerian Music Industry As An Emerging Creative Writer
