Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 win against Leicester on the two-year anniversary of the Foxes’ FA Cup triumph. The victory saw Curtis Jones score twice in the first half and Trent Alexander-Arnold net a stunner to keep Liverpool on the coattails of Manchester United in the race for the top four. However, it left Leicester staring at relegation with just two games remaining in the season.
Leicester’s downfall has been attributed to their quiet transfer window last summer due to stricter finances, leaving them with fewer options and weak spots in their squad. This has proved costly, with the team sleepwalking into their current position.
Despite the game being billed as one of the biggest in the club’s history by Harvey Barnes, Leicester appeared to have already accepted their fate before the game even started. The Foxes lost Danny Ward, Caglar Soyuncu, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to injury before kick-off, forcing Dean Smith to give Jonny Evans his first Premier League start since October, a clear sign of desperation in a dire situation.
Leicester began brightly, with James Maddison’s pass and Youri Tielemans’ dummy sending Barnes away early. But Liverpool soon took over, holding possession and overwhelming the struggling hosts.
Jones scored the first goal in the 33rd minute, slotting in Mohamed Salah’s cross. He doubled the lead just three minutes later with a powerful strike that followed a lengthy VAR check. This secured his third goal in four games, and the midfielder’s form will be key to Liverpool’s push for the top four.
Leicester made a desperate attempt for a response in the second half, but it was short-lived, with Liverpool slipping back into their controlled rhythm. Alexander-Arnold sealed the deal with a spectacular free-kick in the 71st minute after Evans fouled Jordan Henderson.
On the other hand, Liverpool’s late resurgence after a tumultuous season continues, with the team just one point behind Manchester United in fourth place. They will need to maintain their form while hoping their rivals slip up to make the top four.
In conclusion, Leicester’s fall from grace has been a result of several weak spots in their squad. The defeat against Liverpool leaves them staring at relegation, with just two games left in the season. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s late charge for the top four continues, with Jones and Alexander-Arnold leading the charge.
