Premier League 2018-19: Leicester City vs Liverpool - match review
Liverpool took on a much weaker (probably the weakest) Leicester City side we have seen in the past 2 years. The Foxes however looked much more competitive in this fixture. After an unbelievable blunder from the Liverpool keeper Alisson, Leicester City capitalised in the second half, but with poor inter-play, and an extremely loose defense, The Foxes couldn't get past a resilient Liverpool side.
With goals from Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, Jurgen Klopp's composed side showed some traits which weren't quite expected.
The first half saw multiple variations. With the absence of Naby Keita, James Henderson assumed the mantle, and played well as a box to box midfielder, developing the play for The Reds.
Starting from the very first minute, Liverpool applied high pressure like they had everything to lose. Pushing all three forwards towards the ball is a move we have seen Klopp execute multiple times. The surprise however was that they played three in defense, with Andy Robertson charging viciously towards the goal line.
Mohamed Salah was seen breaking through Leicester's open-ended defense, and building complex inter-plays with Firmino and Wijnaldum, pressing forward, and not relying solely on his ability to score goals.
For the first few minutes, the Liverpool side was seen to be building from the back, as it led to the very first goal scored by Sadio Mane, who was open in the middle, with the pass well executed by Andy Robertson.
After the first 20 minutes however, it was Leicester who were looking more aggressive, as an attempt from Demarai Gray left the Liverpool fans on the edge of their seats. However, Alisson Becker came to the rescue and denied the attempt.
Both Mendy and Ghezzal were seen denying waves after waves of Liverpool counter attacks, and leading the same by delivering the ball to both Albrighton and James Maddison who pressed higher, discomforting the Liverpool side.
However, a corner from James Milner gave some relief to the Liverpool side, as Roberto Firmino sealed the deal with a picture perfect header, making it 0-2 just before half-time.
In the second half, Leicester continued to build aggressively, with James Maddison taking shots from distance, and winning corners for his team. However, the Liverpool center back Joe Gomez made sure The Foxes didn't capitalise.
Alisson Becker on the other hand continued to make stunning saves, frustrating the Leicester supporters. Liverpool also had some very important counter-attacks with the help of James Milner and Jordan Henderson.
A breakthrough however came for Leicester, as Alisson made a very uncharacteristic blunder, leaving the post open and handing the ball over to the opposition, giving Ghezzal a chance to put it in the back of the net, as he scored the only goal for Leicester in the 62nd minute.
Klopp's frustration was obvious, he therefore made the required changes, with Xherdan Shaqiri and Naby Keita replacing Jordan Henderson and Mo Salah. Leicester however didn't quite have the intention of quitting against Liverpool, as they sent long balls into spaces.
As a result, The Reds played a possession based, and aggressive system, with Xherdan Shaqiri and Sadio Mane pressing impressively high, winning corners and free kicks. Leicester was back to square one.
Liverpool has now made it four in a row. With Sadio Mane becoming the top scorer, this Liverpool side has just begun its domination, and could probably win the PL if they continue in this vein of form.
Leicester however showed unbelievable traits in the second half, and they have proven that they too can compete against difficult sides, the absence of Jamie Vardy hasn't quite affected them.
Final score: Leicester City 1-2 Liverpool