Henderson: Liverpool´s Premier League title failure tough to take

Jordan Henderson admits Liverpool’s failure to win the Premier League title is tough to take after Manchester City produced a stunning second-half comeback against Aston Villa to end the Reds’ quadruple hopes.

Liverpool went into the Premier League’s final day needing a win – and a slip-up from Pep Guardiola’s men – to be crowned champions.

And despite falling behind to Wolves through Pedro Neto’s early goal, the Reds were given hope when City went 2-0 down against Steven Gerrard’s Villa.

Although Liverpool recovered to seal a 3-1 win through goals from Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Andrew Robertson, they ended the season one point behind Guardiola’s team after an Ilkay Gundogan double fired City to an incredible 3-2 victory.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have finished as runners-up despite amassing 92 points this campaign – the most of any team to miss out on top spot since their own tally of 97 in 2018-19, when they were again second to City by a single point.

At the end of a dramatic final day, Henderson admitted the disappointment of coming second was hard to digest. 

“It was a tough afternoon for us really. We didn’t play particularly well, or as well as we can,” he told Sky Sports. 

“Going a goal behind is never easy, but we kept going and we found a way to win, which was pleasing. 

“We didn’t really know what the score was [at the Etihad Stadium] because there were too many cheers from the Wolves fans and the Liverpool fans. 

“We are disappointed; we have been in this position before, and it is tough. We found a way today to get the three points, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.”

6 – Manchester City have won their sixth Premier League title, with four of those coming in the last five seasons. Crowned. #PL pic.twitter.com/g0gE2fPWOI

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 22, 2022

Henderson made his 56th appearance for Liverpool in all competitions this season against Wolves, the most by any player for a Premier League club in 2021-22.

Having won both domestic cups – each via a penalty shoot-out triumph over Chelsea – Liverpool’s pursuit of major silverware is not yet over, with a Champions League final against Real Madrid to come in less than a week.

Despite his disappointment on missing out on the title at the end of an absorbing league campaign, Henderson expressed his pride at Liverpool’s efforts after they ended the season with a 19-match unbeaten run (16 wins, three draws).

“We gave absolutely everything all season right up until the end,” he added.

“We are very proud of the boys, of what they have done this season, but it is not over yet.

“There is still one game left against a really good side, and we are going to have to be at our best [to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League final].”

Thank you for your brilliant support this season, Reds. What an incredible ride this special team has taken us all on

There have been so many memorable moments, together. One game to go.

See you all in Paris pic.twitter.com/IuccGSLdle

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 22, 2022