Whilst not limping over the line, Liverpool are far from gloriously romping past the winning post. However, yet again, they found a way to win. A left-footed strike from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 76th minute secured a 1-0 victory, which leaves Liverpool three points short of a record equalling 20th title and relegated a sorry-looking Leicester City.
Given what was at stake at the King Power Stadium, the first half played out like a testimonial game. No intent, purpose, energy or desire from either side was on show, despite both teams hitting the woodwork in the early moments. A low-drilled effort from Mo Salah inside three minutes, struck both posts, whilst Ndidi hit the upright just minutes later for the Foxes. That was about as good as got in the first half, with both teams surely on the end of tongue-lashing from their respective managers at the interval.
Again, Arne Slot chose to send out the same eleven in the second half and with an obvious instruction to up the tempo. Moving the ball with a purpose sorely lacking in the opening 45 minutes, Liverpool at last began to carve out some chances. Spectacular they were not, but utterly dominant they certainly were. It did though, take the introduction of Harvey Elliot, Diogo Jota and Trent before the points were secured, as a rasping angled left-footed drive by the ‘scouser in our team’ finally found the back of the net, after both Salah and Jota had hit the bar from close range.
Whilst there was obvious delight amongst the travelling support, as Liverpool made the break through there was an audible amount of booing when Trent was deployed with 20 minutes remaining. Of course, those who feel emboldened to show their displeasure at what they see as Trent’s refusal to commit his future to his boyhood club, were no doubt celebrating his winning goal. Whatever the rights and wrongs of the on-going saga of Real Madrid’s pursuit of the right-back, it’s surely little short of a disgrace to boo a Liverpool player who has given his life to the club, and who is surely entitled to make what he considers to be the best decision for himself and his family.
So Slot and his players now have the chance to clinch the title on the pitch next week. The visitors are Spurs, perennial losers at Anfield over the years and, given they will face a European semi-final just days later, surely unlikely to offer the title winners elect too much of a stern test. Of course, if Arsenal are defeated by Crystal Palace in midweek, the title race will be over. After being denied the chance to win the league crown on the pitch and in front of their own supporters in 2020, Liverpool will rightly want to finish the job in front of the Kop, next Sunday.
