It was a bizarre game at Anfield on Friday night in which Liverpool narrowly defeated Leicester thanks to two very fortunate own goals. The Reds’ performance showed defensive and midfield fragilities that Jurgen Klopp will surely want to address going into the new year. Liverpool showed promise going forward with Darwin Nunez always looking dangerous, never allowing the Leicester defenders a moment to relax. However, he will want to be more clinical with the chances that he is presented with.
LEICESTER GOAL (4th minute)
Liverpool pressed Leicester high, and the Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward’s pass took six Liverpool players out of play.
Leicester winger Harvey Barnes got the ball on left side and the Reds were in serious trouble. 4 attacking players vs 4 defensive players.
Barnes made the pass forward to Daka. The Leicester forward was under pressure from Matip but managed to make a pass back to Dewsbury-Hall.
Henderson lost his position, failing to prevent Daka’s pass and Dewsbury-Hall’s run forward.
Henderson’s positional mistake cost Liverpool. Three Liverpool players were on right side of the defense, leaving Andy Robertson alone and with no chance to stop Dewsbury-Hall’s run.
Dewsbury-Hall finished his run with a tidy finish past Alisson with his left foot.
LIVERPOOL FIRST GOAL (38th minute)
Liverpool had control of the ball for a long time (it was one of the longest periods of possession in the game – from 35:38 to 37:14). During this period Liverpool players made two crosses into the penalty area but the Leicester defenders made 2 clearances.
Liverpool won all the loose balls resulting from the Leicester clearances and Thiago got the ball with at least 4 options to make next pass. The Spanish midfielder was a dominating figure in midfield and controlled most of Liverpool attacks’ direction and tempo. He made a short pass to Henderson in the center, about 30 yards from goal.
The Liverpool captain chose the only pass that would keep the attack alive. He made the pass to Alexander-Arnold who was primed to make another cross into the danger area.
The Liverpool right-back made a simple cross that Leicester should have dealt with easily.
The Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward should claim the ball easily but a miscommunication with Faes, who made a poor attempt at a clearance, lead to the own goal.
LIVERPOOL SECONG GOAL (45th minutes)
This may have been the easiest chance that Liverpool created this season (with 2 touches).
Danny Ward made a long pass from a goal kick. Joel Matip won an aerial ball (without pressure) and made a pass forward.
Left winger Oxlade-Chamberlain was in central midfield in that moment and immediately made another smart pass forward. Darwin Nunez showed his phenomenal speed and chased after Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ball.
Nunez put the ball past Ward and was unlucky to hit the post. The rebound off the post hit directly off the unfortunate Faes who was attempting to clear the danger and went into the net. Another horribly unlucky own goal for Faes, which ultimately lead to Liverpool securing the 3 points.
