Liverpool Consign Leicester To Home Defeat
A first-half double from Curtis Jones sent the Reds on their way, with the visitors adding a third through Trent Alexander-Arnold after the break. The Foxes are two points adrift of safety with two games to play.
Ahead of kick-off, Ricardo Pereira and Jonny Evans were back from injury in City’s starting XI, with Wilfred Ndidi also returning. Notable absences from the matchday squad, meanwhile, included Çağlar Söyüncü (hamstring), Danny Ward (dislocated finger) and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (ankle).
A bright start fizzed away for Dean Smith’s hosts, ending in the Club’s 22nd league defeat of the season. Just over 10 minutes in, the Filbert Way crowd were encouraged when James Maddison’s pass – with the outside of his right boot – freed Harvey Barnes down the middle, courtesy of Youri Tielemans’ clever dummy. The Belgian allowed it to glide through his legs and Barnes was away. The Academy graduate couldn’t plot a route past Ibrahima Konaté, but the winger could slip it through to a galloping Jamie Vardy. The Foxes No.9 leapt in front of Virgil van Dijk, before trying to chip Alisson. The Reds ‘keeper, however, stood tall and was able to prevent Vardy from notching his 171st goal for the Club. Leicester had started well, roared on by a stoic Blue Army, singing their hearts out in spite of the tall odds facing their team.
A largely uneventful 30 opening minutes was illuminated by the supporters’ backing, but Liverpool were about to go ahead and take hold of the match. It had been an encouraging start from Leicester and Jürgen Klopp’s Reds were regaining an element of control. Luis Díaz drilled wide on the left. Fabinho blazed over centrally too. Moments later, Alisson punted the ball forwards, aiming for Luis Díaz. Wout Faes wasn’t able to clear an awkward, bouncing ball. Díaz recycled it, to Jordan Henderson, who duly fed Salah, on the right flank. The Egyptian’s cross landed for Jones to convert well at the far post. It was about to get worse, too. Salah’s quick-thinking pass unleashed Jones again, an inch the right side of Evans. Liverpool’s young midfielder smashed it into the net. There were two VAR checks, but two confirmed goals.
In truth, Leicester were fortunate it wasn’t three seconds after the restart when Liverpool charged down the middle. Coady Gakpo’s powerful drive, though, was palmed away firmly by Daniel Iversen at close range. Into the second half, City had to mount an unlikely comeback against a side who had won their last six Premier League matches. Ricardo’s forward, looping ball was taken down by Maddison, but he hit it straight at Alisson without the power it needed. Intricate play involving Vardy and Tielemans gave Barnes the chance to curl it towards the top corner soon after. Alisson was alert to the danger and made a decent stop to tip it round the post, though. Midway through the half, Iversen saved well from Salah, who shot from 20 yards.
A Liverpool free-kick, on the left-most angle of the box, was the visitors’ chance to add another on 70 minutes. Salah teed it up for Alexander-Arnold to curl a stunner into the top far corner. The game was incredibly open late on, with last-ditch interceptions from Faes and Boubakary Soumaré stopping the visitors from breaking away. Salah also missed the target after being played in behind the entire defensive backline. The Foxes couldn't land any late punches. Vardy's ambitious over-head kick was straight at Alisson and that was that. Another defeat for Leicester, who are now four games without a win.
Major moment – Jones' brace
Three first-half minutes cost City so dearly. Dean Smith's men were showing the endeavour they needed early on, but Liverpool were taking the sting out of their forward play as the half wore on. Curtis Jones' double took the game away from the Foxes.
Where does it leave us? – 19th in the league
Leicester remain second bottom in the Premier League on 30 points. Leeds are 18th on 31. Everton, just above the bottom three, are on 32 and Nottingham Forest have 34.
Coming up – Newcastle (A) & West Ham (H)
A trip to St. James’ Park to face UEFA Champions League-chasing Newcastle United is City’s next opportunity for points on Monday (8pm kick-off). West Ham United are then the visitors to King Power Stadium on the season’s final day – on Sunday 28 May (4:30pm kick-off). All times BST.