Trent Alexander-Arnold’s left-footed strike gives Liverpool a vital win over Leicester, putting them on the brink of Premier League title success
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decisive left-foot strike against Leicester on Sunday has put Liverpool within one win of securing the Premier League title, as the Reds continue their march towards glory under manager Arne Slot. The match, which ended 1-0, saw Alexander-Arnold break a tense deadlock, a goal that could potentially mark his final contribution in a Liverpool shirt should he move to Real Madrid as speculated.
The 25-year-old’s goal came just six minutes after his introduction as a substitute, following a series of near-misses from his teammates. Liverpool’s persistence finally paid off after 77 minutes of dominance. Alexander-Arnold, known for his precision and creativity, blasted the ball through a crowded box, making sure to score when no one else could. It was a fitting moment for a player whose potential departure has been a topic of speculation. However, his topless celebration after the goal spoke volumes about his enduring love for Liverpool.
While Alexander-Arnold’s future at the club remains uncertain, with no contract extension yet signed, his emotional response at the King Power Stadium indicated a deep connection to his hometown club. His commitment has often been questioned by some fans, but manager Arne Slot dismissed those concerns, emphasizing that Alexander-Arnold’s performance spoke for itself. “The headline today should be about the goal he scored, not about his contract,” Slot remarked, highlighting the player’s professionalism and dedication.
The match was a tough contest for Liverpool, with Leicester, already relegated, showing spirit despite their struggles. Liverpool dominated possession, registering 25 attempts at goal, but it was Alexander-Arnold’s clinical strike that made the difference. His goal came after several near misses, including efforts from Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota, who both hit the woodwork.
Despite their relegation, Leicester’s defense held firm for much of the match, with goalkeeper Mads Hermansen making several crucial saves, including stopping shots from Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai. However, it was Alexander-Arnold’s moment of magic that broke the deadlock, securing Liverpool’s three points.
This victory means Liverpool now need just one more win to clinch their second Premier League title. Slot’s side has been nearly flawless against teams in the bottom half of the table, with just four points dropped all season. In contrast, Leicester, who were once Premier League champions in 2016, have seen their fortunes dramatically decline, culminating in their relegation.
After the match, the Liverpool fans serenaded Alexander-Arnold with chants of his name, recognizing his pivotal role in the team’s title challenge. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, the atmosphere suggested that he would always be remembered fondly by the supporters.
The game also marked a rare moment for Salah, who continued his drought in open play, but his contribution in the build-up to the goal and his numerous attempts showed his determination to play a key role in Liverpool’s success. His earlier strikes that rattled the post and forced saves from Hermansen were a testament to his persistence, even though he could not find the net.
As the final whistle blew, Liverpool’s title aspirations were clearer than ever. Mohamed Salah held up his finger to the crowd, signaling that just one more victory is required to seal the deal. With their next match against Tottenham at Anfield, it seems only a matter of time before Liverpool’s name is etched into Premier League history once more.
For Leicester, their defeat was a fitting end to a season that promised so much but ultimately delivered little. With the relegation confirmed, Leicester’s focus will now shift to rebuilding for the Championship. As for Alexander-Arnold, whether this moment will be his last in a Liverpool shirt remains to be seen, but it is clear that he will forever cherish his time with the club, particularly his game-changing goal in Leicester.