Curtis Jones scored a brace to help Liverpool produce one of the most comfortable football results of the weekend in the Premier League. Jones scored twice in the span of four minutes (minutes 33 and 36), giving Jurgen Klopp’s team control of the game as Leicester, coming off a 5-3 loss at Fulham seven days prior, threatened a second first-half collapse. Mohamed Salah set up Trent Alexander-Arnold for a spectacular third (71) at a free kick on the edge of Leicester’s penalty area. For the first time in his Premier League career, Salah has a hat-trick of assists. He should have added a fourth, but Daniel Iversen blocked his attempt.
According to reports, Leicester canceled their end-of-season awards ceremony this week in light of how serious their predicament is. The Foxes have now gone 14 games without a victory, and they are still stuck in the relegation zone, two points from safety. After playing one more game than their competitors, Liverpool moves up to the fourth position, within one point of Manchester United.
Leicester manager Dean Smith urged his team to bear the psychological weight of their relegation fight, and the hosts created the game’s opening opportunity with a fast transition in their signature style that almost revealed Liverpool’s high line. Harvey Barnes was able to run into the final third and slide past Jamie Vardy thanks to a beautiful first-time cross from James Maddison, but Alisson closed down the angle and blocked the attempt.
The Foxes, who started Jonny Evans for the first time since October and were two points from safety with three games left, were eager for a win, but Liverpool’s first significant assault put an end to their hopes. Timothy Castagne played Luiz Diaz onside following a deep clearing by Alisson, and Wout Faes let the ball go over his shoulder. Mohamed Salah was selected by Jordan Henderson, and once he crossed the ball, Jones was waiting at the far post to score.
After Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Newcastle on Saturday, which pushed them to second-bottom in the Premier League, the 2016 champions were under even more pressure and eventually gave up a fast second. Another questionable offside decision was made when Salah connected with Cody Gakpo’s threaded pass to set up Jones, who swivelled and beat Iversen with a shot. Gakpo may have added a third goal before halftime, but Smith, who took over as coach from Brendan Rodgers until the end of the season last month, urged his team to remain composed. In 2023, Leicester has gained more points from losing situations than any other team with 13 total. After the break, they needed an immediate answer, but Alisson stopped Barnes with a fingertip save.
Barnes and Wilfred Ndidi were replaced by Patson Daka and Tete as Smith gambled, but the visitors still posed a stronger danger. Salah cut inside Luke Thomas midway through the second half and curled a shot that was blocked by Iversen. Liverpool, in especially Alexander-Arnold, wasn’t satisfied with their performance that evening. Due to Evans’ tackle on Henderson, referee Craig Pawson received criticism from Leicester for giving a free kick. But as Salah kicked the ball with his studs, Alexander-Arnold perfectly curled a shot into the top corner to add insult to injury for Leicester.
When Gakpo put Salah through, the Egyptian whiffed on a wonderful opportunity. He was able to smile. Certainly not the Leicester supporters, who left well before the final horn. They are in the relegation zone with two games left, exactly two years after witnessing their team win the FA Cup.
“Outstanding first goal. second-best goal. We ought to have scored right away. What a great routine for the third objective. I like it. Good victory; very significant for us. With that victory, I believe we will be eligible for the Europa League in 2019. Tonight, I’m quite content,” Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said. “The finest free-kick technique we have is that. In that manner, we ought to have scored three. It is now more likely that we will score from these circumstances since we can take the ball directly or roll it both ways. We must employ it more frequently. I believe our adversaries in Europe would have preferred a loss tonight. In their position, I would. Although I don’t believe it will happen, we must be there in case they do. Will they fumble? I’m not sure. Are we going to win both games? I’m not sure.”
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