Anfield might have been enveloped in a dense mist, but Liverpool’s position at the summit of the Premier League remains crystal clear.
The Reds capitalized on Chelsea’s home loss to Fulham, extending their lead at the top to seven points. However, they had to recover from an early setback after Jordan Ayew struck within six minutes for a limited Leicester side.
Cody Gakpo equalized with a superb effort just before halftime, and Curtis Jones gave Liverpool the lead early in the second half with a neat close-range finish. Mo Salah then sealed the victory with his trademark Anfield goal, ensuring a festive Boxing Day celebration for the hosts. Let’s delve into the key highlights.
1. A foggy but playable Merseyside
Thick fog blanketed Merseyside on Boxing Day, but any notion of the game being postponed or inspected was quickly dismissed. The club was confident the match would proceed as scheduled, especially since rescheduling would have posed logistical challenges.
Once the game kicked off, the fog seemed less of an issue for the players than it appeared from the stands. While Trent Alexander-Arnold struggled with his deliveries in the opening half, this appeared to be a personal off-day rather than weather-related. Both teams adapted and found their rhythm despite the contrasting styles they employed.
2. Another sluggish Liverpool start punished
Liverpool’s tendency for slow starts at home reared its head again, reminiscent of their previous match against Fulham. On that occasion, they were punished with an early Andreas Pereira goal and a subsequent Andy Robertson red card. This time, Leicester didn’t need to work too hard to exploit Liverpool’s lapse in focus.
Stephy Mavididi was given far too much freedom on Liverpool’s right flank, delivering a cross that found Ayew. The striker’s clever turn and finish left the Reds trailing. Leicester couldn’t believe their fortune as Liverpool appeared lethargic and unprepared.
3. Cody Gakpo delivers when it matters
Despite Ayew’s opener, Liverpool stayed composed and stuck to their original plan. A consistent pattern emerged with Alexander-Arnold targeting Gakpo, who became Liverpool’s most reliable attacking outlet.
It took until first-half stoppage time for the equalizer to arrive, but it was well worth the wait. Gakpo, cutting in from the right, unleashed a clinical shot that showcased his growing reputation for precise, decisive finishes. It was a moment of brilliance that Liverpool desperately needed.
4. Curtis Jones thrives in a transformed midfield
If there’s one standout feature of Arne Slot’s Liverpool compared to Jurgen Klopp’s era, it’s the attacking contribution of the midfield. Klopp’s title-winning teams relied on midfielders as enablers, while Slot has turned them into game-changers.
In recent matches, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have stepped up with key goals, including their strikes against Tottenham. This time, it was Curtis Jones’ turn. Charging into the box, he connected with Mac Allister’s cross to edge Liverpool ahead. After a brief VAR check, the goal stood, highlighting the dividends of Slot’s tactical tweaks and Klopp’s summer squad overhaul.
5. A commanding position in the title race
With a seven-point cushion at the top, a game in hand, and rivals struggling for consistency, Liverpool’s title charge appears unstoppable. Manchester City, often their closest challengers, have underwhelmed this season, leaving the Reds in a commanding position.
The Christmas fixtures always looked like an opportunity for Liverpool to assert dominance, and their victory against Tottenham only reinforced this. Their final game of 2024 is a tricky trip to West Ham, but given their current form, it’s hard to bet against the Reds marching toward a 20th league title in 2025.
