Liverpool moved a step closer to securing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League with an impressive 3-0 victory over Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Monday. Curtis Jones was the star of the show, scoring two goals to lead his side to victory.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has excelled in his new role as a hybrid right-back and midfielder, produced another impressive performance with a superb strike. Liverpool’s win moves them to within a point of the top four, putting pressure on Newcastle and Manchester United to maintain their position.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp acknowledged the importance of their winning streak, saying, “That’s all we can do. It would be a real shame if they slip up and we’re not there. So we have to do our job. “I think we’ve qualified. For European football, that didn’t look like six weeks ago.”
Meanwhile, Leicester City’s hopes of staying in the Premier League are fading, as they are two points adrift of safety with just two matches to play. Their next game against Newcastle is crucial, as a loss with a win for Everton or Leeds could seal their fate.
Leicester’s defensive frailties were once again exposed as Curtis Jones capitalized on Liverpool’s brilliant start to score twice in the space of three minutes. The visitors’ dominance was evident when Luis Diaz ran onto a long ball, which Mohamed Salah crossed for an unmarked Jones to tap in the opener. Jones then did his best to control Salah’s pass and find the back of the net.
The home crowd were left disappointed with their team’s performance, and boos echoed throughout the stadium when Cody Gakpo missed a golden chance to extend Liverpool’s lead to 3-0. Leicester’s attacking threat diminished as their confidence waned.
Liverpool’s resurgence in form coincides with Alexander-Arnold’s new role as a deep-lying playmaker in midfield. The English international showed his quality by scoring a superb goal into the top corner thanks to Salah’s pass. Although Salah missed the chance to extend the lead further, Liverpool’s three goals ensured they at least secured a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League.
With the end of the Premier League season approaching, Liverpool’s quest for Champions League football is intensifying, while Leicester’s top-flight survival hangs by a thread. The upcoming matches will undoubtedly be full of tension and excitement as the season reaches its climax.
