Context:

Liverpool's successful Premier League season under head coach Arne Slot culminated with them being crowned champions, clinching the title with four matches remaining after a decisive victory over Tottenham. Traditionally, champions like Liverpool are given guards of honour by opposing teams in subsequent matches, a practice Troy Deeney, former English striker and player-manager, criticizes as humiliating rather than respectful. Deeney argues that Arsenal should refuse to give Liverpool a guard of honour, suggesting it would demonstrate a competitive spirit and serve as a statement for the next season. Drawing from his own experiences, Deeney emphasizes the unnecessary nature of the tradition outside of post-match celebrations, such as those following a cup final. The decision by Arsenal to comply with or reject this tradition remains uncertain as their upcoming match against Liverpool approaches on May 11 at Anfield.

Dive Deeper:

• Liverpool secured the Premier League title ahead of four remaining matches, marking a triumphant debut season for head coach Arne Slot, with their victory over Tottenham serving as the clinching moment.

• The tradition of awarding a guard of honour to champions, exemplified by Chelsea's gesture at a recent match, is criticized by Troy Deeney as a form of humiliation rather than a genuine mark of respect.

• Deeney, a former striker and player-manager, suggests that Arsenal should refrain from participating in the guard of honour for Liverpool, positing that such a refusal would establish a competitive mindset for the following season.

• Reflecting on his own career, Deeney notes that he never faced a situation where he was obliged to give a guard of honour, and if he had, he would have chosen to decline the tradition outright.

• While guards of honour are generally accepted following cup finals, Deeney asserts their inappropriateness in league settings where the champions are yet to be formally celebrated.

• The debate centers on whether Arsenal will adhere to the custom or heed Deeney's advice to break from tradition, with the impending match against Liverpool serving as a potential turning point.

• The outcome of Arsenal's decision could set a precedent for similar scenarios in the future, challenging longstanding customs within the football community.

• Liverpool have already been crowned Premier League champions this season, making head coach Arne Slot's debut season a major success.

• Liverpool bagged the title with four games to spare with a 5-1 over Tottenham at Anfield.

• Liverpool then faced Chelsea in the Premier League on May 4, and before kick-off, the Blues gave them a guard of honour at Stamford Bridge. The match ended in a 3-1 win for the hosts.

• Traditionally, the Reds would be expected to receive guards of honour in the remaining three league games. Liverpool will be playing against Arsenal in the next match, which is slated for May 11.

• However, former English striker Troy Deeney has urged Arsenal to deny Liverpool the guard of honour this Sunday.

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• What did Troy Deeney say about 'the guard of honour'?

  Deeney, who was most recently player-manager of Forest Green Rovers, shared his thoughts on clubs giving the guard of honour to the champions ahead of the match at Stamford Bridge last Sunday. While speaking to The Sun, he candidly mentioned that he does not understand the tradition and labelled it as 'humiliation.'

• "Chelsea will give Liverpool a ‘guard of honour’ before tomorrow’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. And next weekend, presumably, Arsenal will do the same. But like so many other things in modern football, it’s something I will never understand," he said.

• "Frankly, I think it’s a load of old b*****ks. It’s not so much a mark of respect as a humiliation for the team lining up to give the champions a little clap. It's as if Chelsea and Arsenal and everyone who plays the champs for the rest of the season, is saying, ‘Well done, we’re perfectly happy you beat us,'" added Deeney.

• Deeney recalled his own playing experience, claiming that if he was never in a position where he would have to give a guard of honour to any opposition, the 36-year-old would have 'refused point-blank.' He further added that Arsenal 'should do' the same and stop being 'Mr Nice Guys.'

• "When my Watford team lost an FA Cup final to Manchester City, we had to stand and clap while they got their medals. But that’s after the match, that’s fair enough. I was never in a position where I was expected to be part of a ‘guard of honour,'" said Deeney.

• "During my top-flight days, Watford never played against a team who had already been confirmed as champions. But if I had been in that situation, I’d have refused point-blank. That’s what Arsenal, Liverpool’s nearest challengers this season, should do next Sunday. That would really set down a marker for next season. No more Mr Nice Guys," he concluded.

• While Deeney has made his feelings clear on this, it remains to be seen if Arteta & Co. give Liverpool the 'guard of honour,' or decide against it on Sunday, at Anfield.

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