Player Ratings: Trent Alexander-Arnold Scores Late Winner as Liverpool Beat Leicester City | OneFootball

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Return Sinks Leicester as Liverpool Edge Closer to Glory

There are moments in football when narrative trumps numbers, when the script writes itself and needs only a finishing touch. On Sunday at the King Power Stadium, it arrived from the boot of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The returning full-back delivered a goal that was as much poetic as it was clinical – and it sent Leicester City tumbling out of the Premier League.

For Liverpool, this 1-0 victory was another crucial step toward a title that now feels within touching distance. For Leicester, however, it was a full stop to their Premier League chapter – one closed by a product of the Reds’ academy who’s becoming increasingly synonymous with decisive moments.

Alexander-Arnold the Game-Changer

There was no shortage of drama before Trent Alexander-Arnold’s introduction. Liverpool started the match with urgency, nearly taking the lead just three minutes in when Mohamed Salah – fed clean through – struck both posts in a bewildering moment that left the net untouched.

Leicester, under immense pressure and with their Premier League fate hanging by a thread, didn’t fold. Instead, they responded, with Wilfred Ndidi rattling the woodwork at the other end. If Salah’s miss felt like an omen, Leicester’s reply felt like defiance.

Photo: IMAGO

But matches at this level often hinge not on the totality of 90 minutes but on singular moments of quality. Alexander-Arnold, returning from injury, came off the bench in the 71st minute and within ten had produced a rare left-footed strike from outside the box – his first ever with his weaker foot – to all but seal the title for Liverpool and confirm Leicester’s descent into the Championship.

Leicester’s Effort Comes Up Short

It would be easy to dismiss Leicester’s performance as inadequate, but that would be unfair. This wasn’t a side that downed tools. Mads Hermansen made key saves, including a critical stop from Salah just before half-time. Luke Thomas was a rare bright spark on the left, combining defensive grit with attacking intent. But a lack of incision up front proved fatal.

Jamie Vardy, a symbol of Leicester’s greatest era, struggled to leave a mark. The Foxes lacked the conviction in the final third that once defined their miraculous 2016 title-winning campaign. And without goals, they had only hope – which faded the moment Alexander-Arnold struck.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Machine Keeps Rolling

If Arne Slot’s Liverpool are inching closer to the summit, it’s because of performances like this. Even without the early goal, they remained relentless. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch dictated midfield rhythm, while Ibrahima Konaté – commanding and composed – ensured Leicester’s limited chances went nowhere.

Luis Díaz and Salah caused persistent problems out wide, though wastefulness and Hermansen’s gloves delayed the breakthrough. But Slot’s substitutions proved pivotal. Diogo Jota added movement, while Alexander-Arnold – well, he did what only elite players do: turned a tight game on its head.

It’s not just about talent; it’s about timing. And Trent’s couldn’t have been better.

Relegation Confirmed, Title Within Reach

This was more than just a football match. It was a passing of eras. Leicester, once kings of English football, are now bound for the second tier. Liverpool, under new leadership and brimming with youthful intensity, are poised to become champions once more.

One more win is all it will take.

Player Ratings

Leicester City (4-2-3-1):

Liverpool (4-2-3-1):