Brandon Rodgers’ Leicester City which is known for lack of respect when it comes to disciplining England’s so called ‘Top Six’, was on it again today when they hosted Champions at King Power Stadium.
Liverpool, who were still without their Netherlands defender Van Dijk, seemed solid and contenders of the match’s three points as they kept Leicester City at bay.
Despite dominating ball positions, not mentioning countless opportunities blown away by Liverpool attacking duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, none of the sides could break the deadlock until half time.
Twenty-two minutes into second half, champions took lead through goal scoring leader Salah who converted a nice assist from the Brazilian Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool’s lead was short-lived as it only lasted for 11 minutes before the 17th minute substitute for injured Milner, Thiago Alcantara dangled out a leg which brought Barnes down on the edge of the box, awarding Leicester a free-kick.
England international, James Maddison made no mistake as he curled a strike in directly from a free-kick, a goal which was initially disallowed for offside against Amartey and later awarded for VAR intevention.
Leicester, who seemed to have been given only seven minutes to deal with the champions by their boss, could not let their guard down as they continued to press for more goals leading to a howler from Alisson in the 81st minute awarding Jemmy Vardy opportunity to score, a long ball which was played by the Belgian Youri Tielemans.
Two minutes later, the Brazilian goalkeeper tried to repay for his mistakes as he produced a prolific double save from Barnes who had surges down the left flank and fired a right-footed strike towards goal. Alison palmed it away and the rebound fell to Vardy who tried a brace but all efforts thwarted by scandalous Alisson.
Leicester did not fed their hopes by the double save, but came strong two minutes later, a play originated from Ndidi who played a simple ball over the top and found Barnes in acres of space down the left flank. The winger opened his body and drilled his effort past Alisson to all but secure his side a 3-1 victory and three points against champions.
The win saw the Foxes moving up Manchester United to command the second position , 4 points adrift of leaders Manchester city who have two games in hand. Liverpool remained forth placed, 1 point ahead of on fire Chelsea who will be on action on Monday hosting Newcastle United.
What does it mean for Liverpool?
The loss was the third Premier League loss in a row by the champions meaning they have lost 9 points. They lost 1 nil at home to Brighton and Hove and hoped for a revenge to league leaders at Anfiled stadium where they were thrashed 4-1, curtesy of Alisson’s two grave mistakes.
What’s Next?
Champions Liverpool will have to prepare for their Champions League away match to RB Leipzig on the 16th of February 2021 at 2200 hours. Second placed Leicester also have a busy week to prepare for their Thursday 18th of February 2021 away to Slavia Prague at 1955 hours.