What made this clash quite unpredictable?
The game had a lot of excitement with Leicester’s bright start to this season. Of course, Liverpool’s injury crisis made it even more fascinating. With defender Van Djik out with a long-term injury along with key players such as Trent-Alexander Arnold, Joe Gomez, Jordan Henderson, Salah, and Thiago, everyone was excited to see how Jurgen Klopp picks his starting lineup. However, the return of Fabinho was crucial. James Milner started as the right-back with youngster Curtis Jones in the midfield. Leicester City, meanwhile, began with a back five as James Maddison and Harvey Barnes paired behind Jamie Vardy. See all the fixture details [fixture 16924679]
How did the game pan out?
The home side started the game well, and Leicester were struggling to cope with the pressure. Liverpool were continually pressing and attacking with pace down the lines. Leicester’s creative players were struggling to get into the game. It was the 21st minute when Liverpool deservedly took the lead. However, it was an own goal from Jonny Evans, whose deflection ended up in the net.
Liverpool kept pressing and denied Leicester any time on the ball to pick forward passes. As a result, Jamie Vardy was left isolated. Twenty minutes after the opening goal, the Reds got their second through Diogo Jota. The Portuguese netted his fourth league goal of this season.
Liverpool had 64% of the ball, with a lot of it being in Leicester’s half. The Reds took 10 shots, with 5 of them being on target. Impressively, 6 out of those 10 shots were taken from inside the box.
Leicester City were ineffective in possession as they recorded only 3 shots with a single one on target. However, without the ball in defensive situations, the Foxes showed some real ferocity as they won 25 duels compared to Liverpool’s 18. In terms of aerial duels, Leicester were superior as they won three more than the Reds. Leicester City also completed 11 interceptions and did well in not conceding more in the first half. The first half ended with a two-goal in Liverpool’s favor.
The second half started with the same tempo, and Leicester found it harder to progress. Later, Liverpool’s Naby Keita picked up a knock. Neco Williams came in to replace Keita, and James Milner stepped in the midfield. The game continued with Liverpool creating chance after chance and Leicester struggling to find Jamie Vardy’s runs.
However, as the half went on, Leicester City started to get a grip of the ball. They then began to get up the pitch. Liverpool were good as well, but Brenden Rogder’s substitutions made a great impact. He sent Cengiz Under and Denis Praet on the field, which helped Leicester to increase their potency as we advance. Leicester finished the second half with more possession but didn’t have anything to show for it. Overall, a disappointing display from the Foxes and more attacking potency will be required in the upcoming games. However, for Liverpool, an uncertain week finished with an excellent win over a potential title challenger.
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Eye-catching performers
James Milner
Not much can be said about this man who is a manager’s dream. A player capable of playing nearly in every position and still perform on a high level is something a manager would love to have. In a game where he started as a full-back didn’t look unsure for a second.
Milner completed 2 tackles, 1 interception, and blocked 1 shot. Completed 56 passes and recorded an accuracy of 84.8% in the process. He also completed an outstanding 5 key passes. Defensively as well as attacking wise, James Milner once again proved his significance in this iconic side.
