Leicester relegated as Liverpool’s title celebration nears | OneFootball

Liverpool are within reach of claiming the Premier League title, moving them level with Manchester United as the most successful team in English league football history, following a comfortable afternoon as they ran out 1-0 winners over Leicester City, who have suffered the ignominy of relegation.

Back in the big time after one season away, the Foxes, who shocked the world by winning the prize Liverpool celebrated nine years ago, have been nothing short of disappointing, but the writing may have been on the wall after then-head coach Enzo Maresca chose not to follow up—following their Championship triumph—instead taking the vacant Chelsea post.

Steve Cooper was removed after 12 matches, yielding two wins and six losses. However, it has been no better under Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has achieved two wins and 16 losses from 20 matches played, with goals seemingly drying up. Reds boss Arne Slot, though sympathetic towards his compatriot, wasn’t going to allow his side to ease up, with being crowned English champions as soon as possible being the aim. Arsenal’s victory over Ipswich earlier today means Liverpool could be celebrating in a few days.

For that to happen, the Gunners must lose to Crystal Palace at home, leaving them with 66 points and the ability to finish with a maximum of 78 points, with four matches and 12 points remaining. That would make Liverpool champions. However, if Arsenal were to beat the Eagles, it would give Liverpool a chance to become league winners if they defeat Tottenham at home next Sunday.

They were made to work for these last three points (and 24th win of the campaign; only recording more through 33 games of a top-flight season on two previous occasions: 25 in 2018-19 and 29 in 2019-20) following a goalless opening half in which Liverpool registered 14 shots, but only six were on target. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who missed Liverpool’s previous three Premier League outings due to a troubling ankle issue, netted the winner 14 minutes from time, mere five minutes after coming on. Mads Hermansen in the Leicester goal should have done better as Alexander-Arnold’s left-footed strike went underneath him.

“The goalkeeper should have saved it, but he didn’t,” came Gary Neville’s response on Sky Sports commentary. “There was a real ferocity in Alexander-Arnold’s eyes as he celebrated that goal.” The feeling is the Liverpudlian full-back-cum-midfielder could be heading for the exit door this summer, with Real Madrid a most likely destination. If that comes to pass, there’s no better way for the homegrown star to depart than having won his second Premier League winners’ medal.

It proved to be his 23rd goal of a stellar professional career (in all competitions), yet the first that wasn’t scored with his right foot. Despite the win, it was another frustrating outing for Premier League’s most valuable player, Mohamed Salah, who has failed to score or assist in three of his last four Premier League appearances for Liverpool—just one fewer than in his first 29 games in the competition this season combined (4).

As touched upon, the Foxes can’t hit a barn door with a banjo; two goals were scored in their previous nine Premier League outings before today, and none in the last eight at home. But it’s not for the want of trying. On four occasions, Leicester have hit the woodwork at the King Power Stadium—including Wilfred Ndidi against Liverpool—since last scoring in front of their beleaguered supporters.

With two home matches remaining this season, incidentally against fellow promoted sides Southampton (who have already been confirmed to go down) and Ipswich Town (who are on the brink of relegation), they will be hoping to snap this run of 810 minutes since last scoring a home Premier League goal (excluding stoppage time). History will remember it otherwise, as Leicester became the first side in top-flight history to go nine consecutive home games without scoring a goal.

Last season, all three promoted sides were relegated as Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United had a brief stay in the top flight. It is about to be déjà vu, making whoever replaces this season’s departing trio slightly nervous despite the riches coming their way.

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