Liverpool got to within one point of the top four in the Premier League on Monday night, defeating Leicester City 3-0 at the King Power Stadium.
The hosts grabbed the lead as Mohamed Salah’s cross was met by Curtis Jones at the backpost.
It only took three minutes for the Reds to increase their advantage, and it was Jones again who linked up with Salah, with the 22-year-old delivering an exquisite touch and finish past Daniel Iversen before the interval.
Leicester had a chance to equalise in the second half when Harvey Barnes forced Alisson to tip the ball past the post from close range, but it was the last of the Foxes chances until Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brilliant free-kick put the game out of reach.
A crucial three points for Liverpool, who remain in the hunt for the top four.
Positives
Liverpool quickly established control of the contest following a promising first 10 minutes from the hosts, and were in cruise control after grabbing a two-goal lead before the interval. They are currently just one point behind Manchester United and Newcastle United in the battle for Champions League participation next season.
Negatives
There aren’t any noticeable blemishes from this one, with Liverpool winning in style against a relegation-threatened Leicester City.
Manager rating (1-10; 10 = best)
Jurgen Klopp, 8 — His tactic worked brilliantly at the King Power Stadium, as Liverpool dominated the game without ever giving up too many dangerous opportunities. After a two-goal advantage, the Reds were patient to avoid giving up too many counter-attacks.
Player ratings (players added after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Alisson, 7 — Quickly came off his line to meet Jamie Vardy and block Leicester’s greatest opportunity of the first half, narrowing down the angle before completing the stop and regaining the ball. Harvey Barnes’ well-hit stroke was deflected by a powerful hand. In the build-up to Liverpool’s first goal, he demonstrated his distributing skills with a superb pass.
DF Andy Robertson, 7 — Moved into advanced areas to take advantage of Luis Diaz’s inside runs on the left wing, and provided a consistent reset option when defenders were pressing Liverpool midfielders. With a marauding run into the Leicester box late in the second half, he almost earned a penalty.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 — Anticipated play to cut-off runs that hindered the opponent on counter-attacks, and always looked favoured when winning aerial duels. Van Dijk put together a solid performance at the back.
DF Ibrahima Konate, 7, was brilliant in circumstances when he was alone with Jamie Vardy, with the centre-back being decisive and often coming out on top. He seemed unfazed amid counter-attacks, as he was quick to plug gaps in behind.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 9 — Alexander-Arnold returned to haunt the King Power Stadium with a performance typified by his spectacular effort from a set-piece curled into the far corner. In the first half, I almost had an assist when playing via Cody Gakpo.
MF Fabinho, 7 — The Brazil international was forceful in the challenge, which resulted in a couple of free kicks at times, but it was an overall strong performance from Fabinho in his job anchoring the defence. I had a range effort that skied over the bar.
MF Curtis Jones, 9 — Curtis Jones scored two goals in three minutes, the second coming after an immaculate first touch and thunderous finish into the far corner.
MF Jordan Henderson, 7, played effectively in the centre of the field and connected up nicely with Salah, assisting in getting him onto the ball in advanced areas. When tracking back defensively, I worked really hard. In the 70th minute, a strong move into the penalty box earned a hazardous free kick.
FW Luis Diaz, 7 — The left-winger competed hard in his duels, which helped counter the opponent’s defensive shape while cutting in on his right foot. In the second half, he beat Ricardo Pereira and cut the ball back across goal, but no Liverpool player could take advantage.
FW Cody Gakpo, 7 — Picked his chances to go into space with the ball and was unlucky not to win a free-kick early in the game. Drifted into deeper areas and helped connect moves together, proving tough to pick up for Leicester City defenders, who also battled to get rid of him.
FW Mohamed Salah, 9 — The Egypt international was confident in his runs on the ball, but the most outstanding aspect of his game today was his link-up play, executing two immaculate passes to record both assists for Jones’ brace, before completing his hat-trick of assists when laying the ball off for Alexander-Arnold. Should have scored, but his one-on-one chance went wide of the left post.
Substitutes (players inserted after 70 minutes get no rating)
James Milner (Henderson, 74′) — Replaced Jordan Henderson following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 3-0 goal.
Diogo Jota (Diaz, 74′) — Maintained pressure on the Leicester backline and made great one-touch play while hooking up with Andy Robertson.
Fabio Carvalho (Jones, 84′) — Replaced Curtis Jones in the game’s closing minutes.
Harvey Elliott (Salah, 87′) — A simple swap for Salah. He cut inside with his left foot brilliantly to generate space, but his attempt was denied by the defending.
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