Liverpool is already bracing for one of the most emotional afternoons in Anfield's history. In slightly different circumstances, Jürgen Klopp could still have been trying to wrest the trophy off Pep Guardiola one last time.

Instead, it will be Manchester City and Arsenal vying for this season's title. Guardiola's side is the heavy favorite to take home a fourth successive Premier League crown, and a sixth in the last seven seasons.

It is only Klopp and Liverpool who have saved the Premier League from going the way of some of Europe's other major divisions, becoming a total one-horse procession. And while their challenge has fizzled out this time around, Guardiola is still thinking about his old rivals on the final day.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola was asked about the key to Manchester City's success. He highlighted the consistency, crediting Liverpool and Arsenal for demanding those levels.

"It’s about consistency every week," he said. "Especially with these opponents — Liverpool until the last corner, Arsenal until the last day."

Guardiola was wary about Liverpool until the threat mathematically ended, having seen Klopp push him all the way on numerous occasions. The Reds infamously came second with 97 points in 2018/19, before going on to secure the Premier League with 99 points the following campaign, marking the greatest two-season spell in the league's history.

Liverpool was there again in 2021/22, pushing for a quadruple that would have cemented Klopp's immortality even further. In the end, the German signed off with two of those cups, again coming within a point of capturing the league title.

And while Arsenal will rightly get the credit for pushing Manchester City this season, Guardiola was right to point out that Liverpool was there until near the very end. It would have been an incredible way for Klopp to bow out — but while the Reds are on the mind of the Etihad boss, there won't be any regret at Anfield, where all the focus will be on saying goodbye to a legend.

Liverpool.com says: Also speaking on Sky, Jamie Carragher made a good point. In all the discourse about Klopp's legacy being about more than trophies, it cannot be forgotten that only three managers in the last 30 years have won the Premier League and Champions League at a single club. He has brought plenty of silverware to Anfield.

But it's also true that his impact at the club has been so much bigger. And while it would have been nice to beat Guardiola one last time, the day has not been made any less special by the late stumble.