Liverpool are partial to a bit of fox-hunting on Boxing Day. The previous time they beat Leicester City on December 26 was in the middle of their dash to the 2020 Premier League. Jurgen Klopp considered that a statement performance, reflected upon as the day he knew he would take the championship crown. Only a pandemic got in the way of his club that year. This time, the Kop supporters bounced in and out of Anfield with another bout of title fever.
Lineups
Liverpool started with Alisson in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson in defence, with Fabinho, Alexis Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones in midfield, and Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah up front.
Leicester City lined up with Jakub Stolarczyk in goal, Ricardo Pereira, Jannik Vestergaard, Daniel Amartey, and Conor Coady in defence, with Youri Tielemans, Boubakary Soumare, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in midfield, and Patson Daka and Jordan Ayew up front.
How the Match Unfolded
There were more obstacles to overcome than during the 4-0 rout at the King Power stadium five years ago, not least Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side taking a 6th-minute lead through Jordan Ayew, which they held until first-half injury time.
But the likelihood of a shock evaporated in the haze once Cody Gakpo equalised, and Curtis Jones celebrated his 100th Premier League appearance with a goal and a congratulatory text from his former manager.
Gakpo completed his signature move in the first half of injury time, cutting in from the left to pick out the top corner with his right foot. Jones tapped in Alexis Mac Allister’s cross four minutes into the second half.
Highlights from last night’s win against Leicester City 🎬 #LIVLEI pic.twitter.com/EdXQfU88nw
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 27, 2024
Although Patson Daka miskicked in front of Alisson when an equaliser beckoned, a Liverpool third felt inevitable. Salah obliged to ensure Van Nistelrooy’s dreams of the shock result of the season were a distant memory.
Post-Match Analysis
Most striking was the poise and calm in which Liverpool executed their recovery. The Klopp era’s sense of attacking purpose and tactical choreography has been enhanced with the authority and experience of players emboldened by the knowledge they can recover from any situation.
Concerning Leicester, this Liverpool side has overcome more perilous positions than a relegation-threatened team taking an early lead and parking the bus at Anfield. Nevertheless, the professionalism and lack of panic or hints of anxiety bodes well for Liverpool’s title bid.
What the Coaches Said
“Of course we look at the table but we also know how hard this league is,” said Liverpool Manager, Arne Slot. “Two months ago we were one point behind Manchester City. What this league can do if you get injuries and suspensions can happen to any team. It is far too early to be celebrating.” Slot is not getting carried away with Liverpool still two games from reaching the halfway point of the season. “So many challenges are still ahead,” added the Liverpool boss.
Player of the Match
Curtis Jones marked his 100th Premier League appearance by sweeping his side into a 2-1 lead against struggling Leicester. Jones became the first player to score on his 100th Premier League appearance for Liverpool since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in January 2023 – and at 23 years and 331 days, he was the youngest to do so for the Reds since Michael Owen in September 2000.
What Next
Liverpool will move 10 points clear of nearest rivals Chelsea if they win at West Ham on Sunday, as Enzo Maresca’s side does not play until the following day at Ipswich. The Reds now boast the best home record in the Premier League – having won 15 of their 19 league games at Anfield in 2024, dropping just 10 points. Liverpool have won 22 of Slot’s first 26 matches in charge in all competitions and are at the top of the Champions League table and in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Leicester City will spar against Manchester City on Sunday, December 29 at the King Power Stadium.
EPL Table
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