Hindered by injuries, including an additional two thanks to this month’s international break, Liverpool entered their matchup with Leicester hurt, but determined.
This was made clear in their 3-0 defeat of Leicester, which brought the Foxes’ six game unbeaten run in all competitions to an end and saw Liverpool make more history.
By claiming victory at Anfield it extended the Reds’ unbeaten home in the Premier League to 64 games – the longest streak in the club’s history. Of the 64 games without a loss at home, 53 have been wins. Their last home defeat was in April 2017 versus Crystal Palace (lost 2-1).
Liverpool took the lead early on as James Milner whipped in a corner which was effortlessly headed into the back of the net – albeit by Leicester defender Jonny Evans.
With four minutes left of the first half, things got worse for Leicester as it was Liverpool summer signing Diogo Jotas turn to set a record. The Portuguese forward nodded home an Andrew Robertson cross on 41 minutes to extend the lead to 2-0 and to become the first Red to score in each of their first four games at Anfield.
Of course, it would not have been a Liverpool game if an injury did not occur. Shortly after half-time, Naby Keita suffered an injury and was quickly replaced by 19-year-old Welshman Neco Williams. Keita is now the ninth Liverpool player currently sidelined – and the fifth who is a midfielder.
However, the game was not over yet and if the Keita injury had soured the atmosphere among Reds fans, spirits were lifted again when Liverpool won another corner on 86 minutes. After scoring the only goal of the game against Venezuela for Brazil in the week, Liverpool fan favourite Roberto Firmino found the net after almost a full 90 minutes of searching.
He and Sadio Mane each came close numerous times during the match, but athletic saves made by Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmiechel and a perfectly executed goal-line clearance prevented Liverpool from further embarrassing their opponent.
Despite being without all but one starting defender, and Jamie Vardy’s unmatched ability to stun big-six clubs, Alisson Becker managed to keep his second clean sheet of the season. This is a vast improvement from previous weeks and a beacon of hope as Liverpool look to play much of the season without their key defenders.
The three points gained from the win send Liverpool to second in the league table, behind only Tottenham on goal difference. Meanwhile, Leicester remain in fourth, but a Southampton win on Monday night will see them drop to fifth.
It was a game that confirmed the Reds are still contenders regardless of injuries, if there was ever any doubt. But the new question to be answered is when and how their impressive unbeaten record will end.
By Kit McIntosh
