Trent cannot be stopped
It was always going to take something special to stop the continued chant during the second half from the jubilant away support in honour of Roberto Firmino.
But then Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to prove during a thrilling end to the season that he is capable of almost anything.
Sure, the decision of referee Craig Pawson to penalise Jonny Evans for what appeared a decent tackle on Jordan Henderson just outside the area seemed a harsh call. For good reason, though, did those inside the King Power Stadium then hold their breath, either in expectation or trepidation.
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Mohamed Salah rolled the ball back into the path of Alexander-Arnold, whose right foot did the rest by firing a shot as deliciously curled as it was ferociously powerful. Leicester goalkeeper Daniel Iversen didn’t stand a chance.
Only a fourth goal of the season, it joined six previous assists after Alexander-Arnold moved into his new inverted right-back role less than six weeks ago, and was deserved reward for another hugely impressive display. Leicester manager Dean Smith later admitted changing tactics to thwart Alexander-Arnold, but it made little difference.
And for Salah, it completed a hat-trick of assists, moving him on to 44 goal contributions in 49 outings this season. The business end of the season is once again bringing the best out of Liverpool’s best.
Jones all systems go
Players make systems, so the saying goes. But systems can also make players.
And Curtis Jones is emerging as a prime example.
The travails of the Liverpool midfielder over the past two seasons have been well documented, with any chance of first-team momentum checked by a succession of unfortunate and, at times, unusual injuries.
So eyebrows were raised when, last month, the 22-year-old was handed only a third start of the season at Chelsea. If the game itself was an unforgettable goalless draw, it marked a turning point in the campaign – and, who knows, perhaps the career – of Jones.
Five days later came the introduction of a new approach that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold push into midfield and demanded slightly different jobs from those in the engine room. Jones, as the left-sided of the triumvirate, has warmed to the task.
Jones has always been a confidence player and that was evident here. Secure in his position and understanding of his role, he was assured in possession and tigerish in the tackle. And, of course, he took his two goals superbly, particularly the second, his subsequent chant from the travelling Kop richly deserved.
This is now the Curtis Jones those who watched him throughout his Academy years have long expected.
Nunez joins party
Darwin Nunez no doubt wouldn’t have expected to have been a glorified cheerleader during the closing fortnight of his debut Liverpool season.
But it said much about the Uruguayan’s eagerness to continue adapting that, despite being sidelined by a minor toe injury, he requested to be among the party that travelled to the East Midlands.
He wasn’t alone, joined by Roberto Firmino who no doubt wants to savour every last moment as a Liverpool player. And both witnessed an example of the strength in depth Liverpool now possess in attack.
Luis Diaz took another step with his 74-minute outing the longest since his return from serious injury, playing a key part in the opening goal and then driving through the gears after the break.
More impressive still was Cody Gakpo, who continues to prove himself Firmino’s heir with his willingness to drop into midfield from the central striker role and cause havoc as well as embracing Liverpool’s pressing game.
Jurgen Klopp later expressed relief that Europa League football, which looked in serious danger mere weeks ago, has now be assured. But after seven successive victories, the Reds won’t give up their fight with Newcastle United and Manchester United. Indeed, this latest win only increases the need for Leicester to get a result in the North East next week.
And the Reds know more than most that stranger things have happened in an attempt for a top-four finish...
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