The now Premier League champions return to action this Sunday, for the immediate fixture which follows the title celebrations.

Liverpool are at Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in what has become a historic league encounter over the years, and will be met with a moment of respect from their opposition, prior to kick-off.

With the Reds clinching the league title with four games to spare, this means that they are expected to receive four guards of honour from the respective clubs, beginning in West London.

This will then be continued in their remaining matches against Arsenal, Brighton and Crystal Palace to close the campaign.

Chelsea WILL give Liverpool guard of honour as Enzo Maresca sends warning to champions	Chelsea vs Liverpool live on Sky: Maresca confirms guard of honour for Reds	Chelsea confirm plan to give Liverpool a guard of honour after Premier League title win

We will aim to dive deeper and discover the real meaning behind this long-standing tradition and how it clarifies Liverpool’s such dominance in the Premier League, this season.

WHAT IS THE GUARD OF HONOUR?Liverpool receive guard of honour from Manchester City as league champions in 2020.

AFP.

Originating from grassroots rugby and cricket, the Guard of Honour since crossed into English football decades ago and is reserved for those who have achieved something special, in Liverpool’s case – becoming league champions.

This is where opponents line up to form a human tunnel and clap the champions, as a sign of appreciation towards an incredible achievement and securing their twentieth league title, means these upcoming ceremonies will mean more than ever.

It shows players and supporters that a season ending in silverware was no fluke or narrow achievement, but a statement of intent – planting the seed for the club’s future ambitions.

It also fuels a mindset firmly fixed on the desire for sustained success.

FINAL FOUR FIXTURESVisionHaus/Getty Images.

With their fate sealed early, Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Crystal Palace are all set to show their respect towards the newly crowned Premier League champions.

For the Reds, receiving the guards of honour from two of their biggest rivals is set to be a sight to behold, but for Chelsea and Arsenal, the moment will be laced with frustration as their applause will mask the harsh reality of their own shortcomings.

This is set to sting the Gunners the most, following the fifteen-point gap and counting, to Arne Slot’s men.

For both sides, the disappointment will be clear, especially when they have ended up in the shadow of a simply superior, rival side.

As for the others, there is no real malice towards Liverpool so a moment to truly acknowledge the Reds’ excellence, is to be expected.

SETTING THE BENCHMARK

Liverpool’s level this season has raised the bar of expectation to new heights.

Arne Slot’s side have shown what it takes to be the dominant team in their respective league, but now it sets a benchmark for their rivals to attempt to close the gap.

The guard of honour will serve as a reminder of the consistency needed to win a league title.

Others must rise to meet the blueprint that Liverpool have laid down.

In a league defined by razor-thin margins, this stands as a rare moment of solidarity to stand and applause the deserving champions.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTUREArne Slot celebrates Premier League title last weekend.

AFP.

Whilst Slot is just at the beginning of his Liverpool managerial tenure, the dismantling of the Premier League in his first season can be used as motivation for more.

The applauses from rivals is not just as a recognition, but a reminder to the Reds of wanting to pursue further silverware.

Slot has inherited a squad full of potential with the hope of repeating the success of his first campaign, and offers a gentle reminder of the standards which must be maintained heading into the next.

The Reds are not satisfied with just one title.

This is a club where there is a motivation from within to continue competing for more trophies, season-upon-season.

When Liverpool receive their first of four guards of honour against Chelsea this weekend, it will paint a clear signal of their dominance this season.

As rivals set to congratulate them, they will also be acknowledging a campaign built on consistency, quality and complete control from start to finish.

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