6 talking points as Liverpool keep top-four dream alive with Leicester thumping
Liverpool’s top-four hopes remain intact after thumping relegation-threatened Leicester City 3-0 to make it seven wins on the spin.
The Reds started the day four points off the Champions League places, but closed the gap again thanks to a brace from Curtis Jones and a Trent Alexander-Arnold rocket. But while the visitors are looking up, it’s a different story for the Foxes, who are now on the brink of dropping back to the Championship.
After a tense and tight opening at the King Power, Liverpool opened the scoring when Jones swept home to complete a rapid counter attack. And just moments later, he was back in on the act, doubling his tally for the night with a dipping effort from the edge of the box.
There was never any real indication of a comeback and Alexander-Arnold, who impressed from midfield again, made it three with a stunning effort from distance.
Leicester were booed off, and remain two points adrift of safety, with a daunting trip to Newcastle next time out. There is now the possibility the former Premier League champions will be officially relegated before the final day of the season.
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Liverpool still require snookers to catch either Newcastle or Manchester United but at least kept up their end of the bargain. Mirror Football takes a look at the big talking points from East Midlands.
Jones has shown he can stick around, despite Liverpool's planned rebuildJones sends message
Klopp can hardly move for questions about Liverpool’s midfield and how he will improve it next season. Supporters are desperate for blockbuster transfers, with a host of high-profile names linked.
But Curtis Jones continues to show he is ready to fight for his place at Anfield. His first goal was a classic midfielder’s run, arriving late at the back post to guide home a cross. His second was even better, finding the top corner with a dipping shot from the edge of the box.
The Liverpool boss has spent much of this season reminding people about the 22-year-old, who was sidelined for an extended period with injury. But whichever direction the Reds decide to go with their midfield, Jones looks certain to be included in it.
"Curtis Jones. He's coming, ladies and gents!" Ian Wright said last month. He’s not only coming, he’s here to stay.
Leicester fumbling towards relegation
Time is running out for Leicester City in their battle against relegationThe Foxes actually started quite well at the King Power. Starting the night with a chance to move out of the relegation zone, Dean Smith’s side were quick out of the blocks albeit without creating too much.
But at the first sign of adversity, Leicester capitulated. Liverpool’s second goal came less than three minutes after their first, and they were fortunate it didn’t get even worse seconds later.
It was a similar story at Fulham last week, when they managed to ship five goals despite playing relatively well. It’s a trip to St James’ Park to face a Newcastle side desperate for all three points. Defeat there, and it could be curtains. A squad, which on paper shouldn’t be anywhere near the drop, is now staring down the barrel of it.
Maddis-on the move
James Maddison is one of many set to leave the club this summerWe are almost certainly watching the final throes of James Maddison ’s Leicester career. Whether the Foxes beat the drop or not, the England international looks destined to seek pastures new, with a host of sides at the top of the table interested.
And he won’t be the only one. Leicester are in the unenviable position of careering towards relegation with a squad of players likely to be snapped up.
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Harvey Barnes will go for big money. Youri Tielemans is leaving on a free. Wilfred Ndidi, Boubakary Soumare and Timothy Castagne are others who are likely to leave.
If relegation is forthcoming, whoever takes the reins long term will have to oversee a massive turnover of the playing staff. An immediate return wouldn’t be a nailed-on certainty.
Alisson one of one
By the other-worldly standards set by Liverpool since Klopp’s arrival, this has unquestionably been a down year. But while standards have slipped elsewhere, they remain sky high in between the sticks.
Alisson remains the standard for all other Premier League goalkeepers to match. In Liverpool’s Player of the Season voting, the Brazilian should win in a landslide, even with Mo Salah’s goalscoring record.
He didn’t have much to do against the beleaguered Foxes, but when he was called upon, he made it count. Harvey Barnes’ effort was destined for the top corner, only for Alisson to somehow reach up and claw it away from danger.
Klopp knows he needs to upgrade his squad at the end of the season, but in Alisson, there is a case to be made he is already right at the very, very top of his craft.
The Trent masterstroke continues
Trent Alexander-Arnold was at his brilliant best against LeicesterHello, and welcome to episode 450 of 'Alexander-Arnold looks good in midfield'. Klopp likes to play the tactical switch down, but after a difficult season, the England international looks back to his very, very best.
Yes, it hasn't been truly battle tested by the league's best, but when it looks like this, who cares? Alexander-Arnold sauntered around the King Power with the weight of having to defend truly off his shoulders.
Leicester's midfield is no walkover either. But Alexander-Arnold was the standout in each of his forays into the middle of the park. His goal was merely the icing on the cake of another accomplished performance.
Yes, it's the most over-discussed tactical switch in recent history. But it's fun, and that's pretty much what we're here for.
Si Senor
With their side in complete control, Liverpool fans emptied their stacked hymn sheet throughout the second half. But it was the chant dedicated to Roberto Firmino which was sung for almost 15 minutes straight.
The Kop legend was spotted beaming on the bench as fans paid tribute to his wonderful spell on Merseyside. It is set to come to an end at the conclusion of this season, where a true reflection can be made on one of the club’s modern day greats.
Aston Villa will mark the Brazilian’s final appearance at Anfield and regardless of their Champions League fate, it promises to be a day of celebration. And richly deserved it is.
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