Mikel Arteta and Arsenal urged to take leaf out of Sir Alex Ferguson's book and give Liverpool guard of honour despite intense rivalry during Premier League title race

Brendan Rodgers praised the tradition and focused on Ferguson's decision to welcome Chelsea onto the field at the end of the 04-05 season. Jose Mourinho's Blues had already sewn up their first Premier League title before their visit to Old Trafford, when the Red Devils welcomed their rivals with warm applause.

The Celtic boss suggested the tradition shows humility, but can also provide the chasing side with ammunition to come back and mount a serious challenge in the following season. Arsenal host Liverpool on the 11th May, but Liverpool can seal the title if they draw with the Gunners' fiercest rivals, Spurs, on Sunday.

Rodgers said: "I can never forget when I was at Chelsea as a young coach and, in that first season that Jose was in, they won the title. I remember going to Old Trafford to watch the game that evening and I'm sure the Man United players didn't want to do it but I'm sure Fergie insisted they did it.

"That must have been really, really difficult but it showed you the class of Sir Alex and it showed you the humility of him that another competitor came in and took the title, but it was also sporting that they did that, but also can provide you with great motivation going forward."

With the title as good as lost, Arsenal will be focussed on their Champions League semi final tie against PSG. However, Arteta who is well known for using alternative methods to inspire or motivate his players, may well use a guard of honour gainst Liverpool as fuel to power his Arsenal side's run at the Premier League title in 2025/26.