Liverpool beat Leicester City 2-1 on Saturday night as James Milner scored an ice cool penalty to send the Reds 8 points clear of rivals Manchester City at the top of the Premier Leafue table.
Sadio Mane gave Liverpool the lead in the 40th minute after Milner threaded in a perfectly weighted through ball for the Senegalese. Leicester equalised late through James Maddison, in game which saw very few opportunities for the Foxes.
Liverpool got a penalty deep into stoppage time as Mane was tripped in the box by Marc Albrighton.
Adrian – GK – 7
Didn’t have pretty much to do in the first half. Saved well off Söyüncü on the follow up of a free kick which was later judged to be offside. Ran off his line to save off Vardy as the Englishman was through on goal.
Got a hand to the ball but couldn’t do much for the Maddison goal.
Alexander-Arnold – RB – 8.5
‘The Kid’ had a wonderful game last night. Crosses and long balls were right on the money. Lifted the Kop with an effortlessly nutmeg on Chilwell and the cross on what followed. Did his offensive and defensive duties really well. Has a tremendous future ahead of him. 5 clearances, 5 interceptions and 5 key passes – rather a 5 star performance.
Lovren – CB – 7
Did his duties well. Lacked passing accuracy at times but was ahead of Vardy in most situations. Decent game from the Croat. Could’ve scored had he met with a couple of crosses well enough.
Van Dijk – CB – 7
Didn’t have much to do apart from rotating the ball in the first half. Hooked the ball when needed. Won his aerial battles as well. Can’t be blamed for the goal but could’ve done just better.
Robertson – LB – 7
Average game for the Scot. Should’ve scored when put through by Salah. Should improve on his shooting, considering he has 1 goal in nearly 2 Premier League campaigns. Won his deuls with Pereira and back tracked whenever needed. Lost possession quite often.
Fabinho – CDM – 7.5
The Brazilian had yet another industrious display despite starting 3 games in 7 days. His touch was crucial at times. Stamped his authority in the midfield. Wins possession the most and is now a core of that Liverpool spine. Generally the first name on the team sheet these days. Booked for a series of fouls.
Milner – CM – 8.5
The 33 year old rolled back the years with a quite magnificent display of passes and through balls. Lively in the opening minutes and exchanged the ball with Robertson quite well. Missed a glorious chance on a cross to put the team 1-0 up. His vision to put Mane through is commendable. Cool and calmly taken penalty under pressure.
Wijnaldum – CM – 6
Muted display from the Dutch midfielder. Did his work in the first half but looked faded towards the end and in the opening minutes of the 2nd half. Was withdrawn subsequently.
Mane – RM – 9 MOTM
Played through the right this time and caused a ton of problems for Chilwell. Crunching tackle on Chilwell and was back pedalling a lot when his team needed. Was in the right place for the goal and shot coolly past Schmeichel. Won the penalty right in the death to win it for the Reds.
Firmino – LM – 7
Wasn’t that lively in the game. Missed a couple of half chances. His close control was exceptional at times. Was subbed for Origi just before Leicester equalised.
Salah – ST – 7
Didn’t have any clear cut chances in the opening period. Made some decent runs but none materialised for a goal. Was brought down cynically by Choudhury and was seen limping off the field – a sight of deep worry for Liverpool fans.
Substitutes –
Henderson – 6
Didn’t have any time to do anything material
Origi – 7
Was a crucial part of the run through for the penalty.
Lallana – N/A
