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Liverpool FC has moved into the top four of the Premier League table after defeating Leicester 3-0.
This was another boost for Liverpool’s chances of finishing in the top four in the Premier League, but it was also the end of Leicester City’s nine-year reign in the top flight.
Time is running out for Dean Smith’s squad to mount a comeback and keep their elite position. They are two points from safety with games against Newcastle United and West Ham United remaining. However, there has been little sign of them finding a means to stay afloat.
On this day seven years ago, Chelsea presented Leicester with a guard of honour as Premier League champions, a stark contrast to the East Midlands team, which has only one win in 14 games and is set to play in the Championship next season.
The King Power Stadium has seen some incredible days in recent years, but there is presently an unhappy and, dare I say, resigned feeling at Leicester’s home. The combat against fit opponents was brief. Leicester, as is their wont, crumbled when Liverpool applied enough pressure.
They failed to maintain a clean sheet for the 21st time in a row, and Liverpool FC were free to go through the motions after Curtis Jones’ brace at the end of the first half put the game beyond the struggling hosts. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s spectacular free kick sealed the visitors’ eighth consecutive victory.
Liverpool FC vs Leicester City: Players Ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
Alisson Becker (7/10):
Important early save from Vardy and his long pass helped create the opening goal. Denied Barnes at 2-0 and swept up superbly.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (8/10):
Could hardly have looked more confident and assured if he’d tried. Capped a sublime display with a quite brilliant free-kick to make it 3-0.
Ibrahima Konate (7/10):
Had a comfortable night, the high point being a ridiculously emphatic victory in a strength duel against Vardy.
Virgil van Dijk (7/10):
Hardly challenged, but when he was he was able to cope with ease.
Andy Robertson (7/10):
Gave good width and supported Diaz and Jones well down the left. Defended well.
Midfielders
Fabinho (7/10):
Slow start, but grew in to the game well.
Jordan Henderson (7/10):
Helped Liverpool dominate possession, and won the free-kick from which Alexander-Arnold made it 3-0.
Curtis Jones (8/10):
His resurgence is gathering pace. Two fine finishes to open up the game. Excellent all-round performance again.
Attack
Mohamed Salah (7/10):
Glorious ball for Jones’ first goal, and a sharp assist for the second. Will be credited for Alexander-Arnold’s, too, though will have been desperate to grab a goal himself. His finishing was poor, to say the least.
Luis Diaz (6/10):
His runs caused Leicester tons of problems, including for the first goal. Didn’t always have the end product.
Cody Gakpo (7/10):
Missed a good chance to make it 3-0 in the first half, but his link-up play and movement was first class.
Subs & Manager
James Milner (6/10):
Came on and got stuck in.
Diogo Jota (6/10):
On with the game well and truly won.
Fabio Carvalho (N/A):
Only introduced for the final five minutes.
Harvey Elliott (N/A):
On late for Salah.
Jurgen Klopp (7/10):
After months of difficulty, he has finally gotten his crew to work. What a difference a little counter-pressing and a fully operational attack can make.
