Liverpool cemented their position at the top of the Premier League after defeating Leicester City 4-0 at Anfield on Boxing Day. The victory allowed Arne Slot's side to extend their lead to seven points, capitalizing on Chelsea's defeat earlier in the day. With this match, Liverpool continued their impressive form, remaining unbeaten at home over the calendar year.
The hosts came out strong, showcasing their offensive prowess which has characterized their play under Slot, who has effectively turned the team's fortunes since taking over. Liverpool's lineup featured star players including Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, both of whom played pivotal roles throughout the match.
Kick-off at Anfield drew excitement from fans eager to see their team maintain its Champions League qualification stance and push for the Premier League title. Liverpool, coming off a thrilling 6-3 win against Tottenham, aimed to maintain their momentum against Leicester, who have struggled recently, hovering just above the relegation zone.
Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, emphasized the importance of the upcoming fixtures during his pre-match press conference, expressing confidence stemming from the team's consistency and depth. His remarks reflected the optimism surrounding the squad, particularly as they prepared for their final Anfield outing of the calendar year.
Despite the chilly Dec 26th evening air, the atmosphere inside the historic ground was electric. Liverpool’s attacking play was quick and incisive, and they effectively exploited Leicester's defensive vulnerabilities. From the outset, the Reds sought to assert their dominance, and they didn’t take long to find the back of the net.
Early on, Liverpool's pressure led to the first goal, scored by Salah, whose sharp intelligence and finishing ability broke the deadlock just ten minutes after the whistle. The goal cemented Salah's position as one of the league's most dangerous forwards, and it also brought him closer to achieving another milestone — surpassing 100 goals at home.
Building on this, Liverpool's midfield, led by Mac Allister and Gravenberch, complemented their forwards effectively. Their ability to neutralize Leicester’s attempts to counter-attack stifled any rhythm for the visitors. Leicester, clearly lacking confidence after recent defeats to Wolverhampton and Newcastle, struggled to create clear chances.
The Foxes' backline faced relentless pressure, with defenders attempting to contain the pace of Gakpo and the creativity of Jones. Despite several efforts to regroup, Leicester conceded again shortly before half-time, with Darwin Nunez finding the net, doubling Liverpool's advantage and all but sealing the game before the break.
With their heads down, Leicester faced the grim reality of needing to forge some attack but continuously found themselves thwarted by the commanding presence of Van Dijk. Van Dijk's solid defensive work ensured Liverpool could keep their lead intact. The Dutch defender was instrumental throughout the match, not only aiding the back four but also initiating plays from deep.
After the half-time break, Liverpool continued their assault. Just five minutes after re-entering play, Gakpo scored the third goal, throwing Leicester’s morale to the ground. The young winger showcased his ability to break through the defensive lines, proving decisive and creating constant threats on the left flank.
Leicester then tried to respond, but any glimpse of hope was washed away when Salah netted his second and Liverpool's fourth goal. The Egyptian attacker orchestrated the offense beautifully, controlling play and demonstrating why he remains one of the most formidable players this season.
With the scoreline at 4-0, Liverpool cruised through the final minutes, focusing on maintaining their structure rather than conceding late goals, which had marred their previous performances. This decisive victory underlined their ambition to reclaim the Premier League title after falling short last season.
Speaking post-match, Slot remarked on his team’s resilient performance, stating, “It was important for us to perform at this level, especially against teams fighting relegation. Every game counts, and today we showed we can handle pressure.”
On the other hand, Leicester's manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, lamented the lack of confidence and performance, indicating, “We need to recover fast and regroup to avoid the drop. We’re on the back foot right now and must find ways to compete.” His sentiments echoed the urgency for Leicester to turn their fortunes around as they prepare for harder fixtures.
The match concluded with Liverpool standing strong at the top of the league, continuing their remarkable unbeaten run. With the teams now heading toward the new year, Liverpool looks set to challenge for both domestic and European silverware with the momentum and determination only champions possess.
Next up for Liverpool is another significant outing against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, followed by their intense rivalry matchup against Manchester United.
