Image source: Liverpool fc
Introduction
Liverpool took a giant step towards lifting the Premier League title after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday. In a match packed with tension and drama, it was the returning Trent Alexander-Arnold who proved to be the difference-maker, netting a 76th-minute winner to edge his side ever closer to glory.
Although Arsenal’s earlier win at Ipswich Town delayed Liverpool’s coronation, Arne Slot’s men now need just three more points from their final five matches to be mathematically certain of claiming the league crown. And depending on other results, they could even be crowned champions as early as Wednesday night.
Let’s dive into the action-packed match report from Leicester.
Team News: Key Changes for the Reds
Liverpool manager Arne Slot made two changes to the side that defeated West Ham United the previous weekend. Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai were drafted into the starting XI, replacing Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones.
There was also good news on the injury front as both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Darwin Nunez made their returns to the matchday squad after spells on the sidelines. While Nunez began the game on the bench, Alexander-Arnold would later make a crucial impact.
Liverpool starting XI:
Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Diaz (Jones 90’), Szoboszlai (Elliott 71’), Mac Allister, Salah, Gakpo (Jota 60’), Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Bradley (Alexander-Arnold 71’).
Substitutes: Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Robertson, Quansah.
First Half: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
The match kicked off with high energy as both sides looked to stamp their authority early. Liverpool nearly took the lead within the opening minutes when Mohamed Salah’s delicate finish rolled off the inside of one post, struck the other, and somehow stayed out a moment that left the away fans in disbelief.
Leicester responded quickly through Wilfred Ndidi, whose low drive cannoned off the post. The Reds transitioned swiftly, with Salah forcing Foxes goalkeeper Mads Hermansen into a fine save.
Those lively opening ten minutes, however, were not an indication of the half to come. The pace slowed dramatically, with Liverpool struggling to generate clear-cut chances despite controlling possession.
Hermansen comfortably dealt with efforts from Szoboszlai and Gakpo, while a header from Ibrahima Konate off an Alexis Mac Allister corner was cleared by Ndidi.
Liverpool’s best opportunity of the half came moments before the break when Kostas Tsimikas whipped in a cross, only for it to arrive awkwardly for Salah, whose volley flew over the bar.
Second Half: Urgency and Attacking Intent
The second period began with Liverpool showing a clear sense of urgency. They pressed higher up the pitch and created a series of half-chances. Szoboszlai, Luis Diaz, and Tsimikas all saw efforts on goal, while Salah curled a shot just wide of the far post around the hour mark.
Arne Slot opted for fresh legs in the 60th minute, bringing on Diogo Jota in place of Cody Gakpo. Jota’s first notable contribution came when he directed a diving header wide from Szoboszlai’s inviting delivery a sign that Liverpool were turning the screw.
Leicester thought they’d grabbed an unlikely lead when Conor Coady found the net, but VAR swiftly ruled it out for a clear push on Alisson by Patson Daka in the buildup.
Trent’s Triumphant Return
The match’s decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute, moments after Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott were introduced from the bench.
Following a Liverpool corner, a chaotic goalmouth scramble ensued. Both Salah and Jota struck the woodwork as the ball bounced around in the penalty area. The loose ball fell invitingly to Alexander-Arnold, who smashed a ferocious half-volley with his left foot under Hermansen, sending the travelling Liverpool fans into raptures.
The vice-captain, making his first appearance after returning from injury, ripped off his shirt in jubilation and celebrated passionately in front of the away end a powerful image and a goal that could be remembered as the one that clinched the title.
Liverpool Push for a Second
Buoyed by the breakthrough, Liverpool pushed for a second goal. Jota came close with a powerful drive, while Salah’s low shot was bravely blocked by Coady inside the Leicester box.
Despite their pressure, a second goal didn’t arrive. But it mattered little as Alexander-Arnold’s intervention proved enough to claim all three points and push Liverpool within touching distance of the Premier League title.
What the Result Means
This crucial win maintains Liverpool’s five-point cushion at the top of the table, with five games remaining. Arsenal’s earlier 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town meant the Reds couldn’t seal the title this weekend, but they’ve put themselves in pole position.
Only three more points are needed to mathematically confirm their first league title under Arne Slot. However, if Crystal Palace manage to beat Arsenal on Wednesday night, Liverpool could be crowned champions without kicking another ball.
Meanwhile, the defeat confirmed Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League. It’s a sad end for the Foxes, who famously won the title in 2015-16 and have since enjoyed several seasons of top-flight football.
Player of the Match: Trent Alexander-Arnold
It could only be one man. Coming off the bench after a period out with injury, Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered when it mattered most. His stunning left-footed strike not only won the game but edged Liverpool closer to the title.
His leadership, composure, and instinctive finish made him a worthy match-winner, reminding everyone of his crucial role in this Liverpool side.
Conclusion
This wasn’t Liverpool’s most fluent or clinical performance of the season, but it was one filled with character, grit, and decisive moments. Arne Slot’s team demonstrated their ability to dig deep and find a way, even when things weren’t quite clicking in attack.
The sight of Trent Alexander-Arnold peeling off his shirt and celebrating wildly might just be the moment Liverpool fans look back on as the title-clincher.
Now, all eyes turn to Wednesday night, where Crystal Palace could do the Reds a huge favour. Either way, Liverpool’s destiny is in their own hands, and with three points from five matches needed, the long-awaited title looks almost inevitable.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com