The battle for the Premier League title has looked like a procession rather than a race for some time now, but Liverpool moved a step closer to making it a mathematical certainty today by beating strugglers Leicester.
It was local boy Trent Alexander-Arnold who secured the win, coming off the bench to score in the 75th minute, in his first appearance since an injury sustained in early March.
The right-back made his 350th appearance in a Liverpool shirt count amid feverish speculation over his potential departure to Real Madrid, scoring his first left-footed goal in his entire career and immediately charging over to the travelling fans to celebrate.
Leicester meanwhile frustrated Liverpool for long periods and even had a Conor Coady goal ruled out for a foul by Patson Daka on Reds keeper Alisson Becker in the build-up, but were ultimately second-best and were condemned to the drop at the final whistle, their second relegation in three seasons.
Arne Slot’s side are now just three points away from lifting the trophy, although second-placed Arsenal’s earlier win over Ipswich meant the Reds couldn’t seal the title this afternoon.
Relieve all of the action from the Premier League clash in our live blog below:
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s heroics at Leicester provide crowning glory for champions-elect Liverpool
It felt mutual. After the accusations of disloyalty from a section of the fanbase, he was serenaded by the match-going public at the end. “Special moments that will live with me forever,” he said.
‘Absolutely devastated’ Leicester
Leicester defender Coady continues, “We’ve took a bit of stick and we’ll continue to take stick because it’s deserved.
“From minute one this season, we haven’t been at a level to fully compete in the Premier League and you have to be because it’ll chew you up and spit you out.
“It’s something we have to look at because we’re absolutely devastated.”
Back down to the Championship for the Foxes, and you’d wager Ruud van Nistelrooy might be out of a job soon too.
‘It’s not been anywhere near good enough’ – Conor Coady
“We’ve not been good enough all season,” a disappointed Conor Coady tells Sky Sports. “I thought we played quite well today, moved the ball well and nullified Liverpool – they’re a world-class side. But we look back on this season and it’s not been anywhere near good enough.
“We’ve got to look at ourselves as players in the mirror. We have to now, what’s happened has happened. We have to try and put this club in a better position come the summer because we haven’t been good enough.”
Alexander-Arnold credits the away fans
Lovely moment at the end as Liverpool captain Van Dijk gesticulated to Alexander-Arnold to take in the applause of the travelling fans.
He says, “[Virgil] pushed me to the front to soak it in to get close and personal – the away fans are amazing. They’ve pushed us every game until the final minute. They helped us win the game.
“To be so close to sealing a league title – a first one in front of fans which is what we’ve been missing – is very special.”
No news on the contract situation
Inevitably, Alexander-Arnold is asked about his contract situation, but he remains tight-lipped.
“I’m not going to speak on my situation or go into details. These days are always special, scoring goals, winning games, being close to winning titles – they are special moments that will live with me forever. And I’m glad to be part of it.”
Think fans will be reading quite a lot into that.
‘One of the best moments’ – Alexander-Arnold
“Sure, it was [one of the best moments in a Liverpool shirt],” the goalscorer tells Sky Sports.
“The fans have been outstanding. They have pushed us every game and they did the same today as well.
“The least they deserve is seeing us giving 100% on the pitch and win the game. It’s very special.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold: ‘That’s the one type of goal I’ve been missing’
Trent Alexander-Arnold speaks to Sky Sports.
“I think being so close to winning title and first back from injury, it was an important game for me.
“I was happy to contribute with the goal – it was a big one. I’m sure it’s my first left-footed goal of my career so it’s taken a few years but I got there in the end. That’s the one type of goal I’ve been missing but I saved it for the right time.
“We’re one win away now [from lifting the trophy] and to do it with fans here is very special.”
Perhaps a last goal in a Liverpool shirt for Trent Alexander-Arnold
Perhaps a last goal in a Liverpool shirt for Trent Alexander-Arnold, perhaps a last great moment. Liverpool deserved victory for their persistence and purpose. Over the season, Leicester deserve relegation. They have shown spirit today but they have gone down with a whimper. There were some boos at the final whistle, though fewer than in other games. That may reflect the spirit showed today but it has been a disastrous season for them.
Leicester 0-1 Liverpool
“We’re going to win the league,” sing the travelling fans. Not much arguing with that.
Leicester 0-1 Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold looks a very happy man, walking over to the travelling fans, fist-pumping the air and applauding.
Plenty to read into that, I’m sure.
Source: independent.co.uk
