Anfield Index
·26 December 2024
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·26 December 2024
Liverpool continued their march towards Premier League supremacy with a 3-1 comeback victory over Leicester City at Anfield. The league leaders overcame an early setback to reassert their dominance, moving seven points clear at the top with a game in hand. For Leicester, the defeat deepens their relegation concerns, leaving them one point adrift of safety.
Leicester, arriving at Anfield amidst a poor run of form, surprised the home crowd with a quick start. Jordan Ayew capitalised on defensive uncertainty to fire the visitors ahead in the sixth minute, a moment that silenced the Kop and gave Leicester hope of a much-needed result.
Liverpool responded with urgency, but the first half was fraught with frustration. Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah came agonisingly close to equalising, both striking the woodwork. Just as the half seemed to be slipping away, Cody Gakpo stepped up with a moment of brilliance, curling home a sumptuous effort from the edge of the box in the dying moments of the first half.
Photo: IMAGO
The equaliser galvanised Liverpool, who emerged for the second half with renewed intensity. Within four minutes, Curtis Jones made his 100th Premier League appearance a memorable one, turning in a pinpoint cross from Alexis Mac Allister to give the Reds the lead.
Leicester had their chance to restore parity when Patson Daka found himself unmarked in front of goal, but his mis-kick epitomised the Foxes’ struggles this season. Liverpool capitalised on Leicester’s wastefulness, with Salah securing the points in the 77th minute. The Egyptian latched onto a loose ball in the box to score his 19th goal of the season, ensuring Liverpool’s ascendancy remained unchallenged.
The victory leaves Liverpool in a commanding position atop the Premier League table, seven points ahead of their nearest challengers, with a game in hand. An upcoming trip to West Ham offers the Reds the opportunity to extend their lead to 10 points, further solidifying their title credentials.
Leicester’s struggles continue, with the Foxes now in the relegation zone following Wolves’ victory over Manchester United earlier in the day. Manager Enzo Maresca faces the daunting task of reinvigorating his side amidst a battle for survival.
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