Welcome to the LFC Final Word. In this series, I provide an in-depth analysis of games from a Liverpool supporter's perspective.
Match Facts
Liverpool vs Leicester City
Anfield
Wednesday 20th January, 20:00
Result
Liverpool 1 - 1 Leicester
Betting Results
Over 2.5 goals: loss
Over 3.5 goals: loss
Match Summary
Following Manchester City's shock defeat at the hands of Newcastle United on Tuesday night, this was a great opportunity for Liverpool to go out and extend their lead at the top of the table. The Reds did manage to do that, but only by a further 1 point rather than the 3 Liverpool supporters were hoping for. Although I am feeling somewhat disappointed that the Reds didn't manage to get the win, I believe there are factors that can at least somewhat explain why Liverpool supporters shouldn't be too worried about the result last night.
As I stood in the Lower Centenary, now known as the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand, during the player warmups, it was clear to see that it was going to be a difficult night. Just prior to kickoff, there was a huge hailstorm that placed a thick layer of ice over the entirety of the pitch. The hailstorm had passed by 20:00 but the damage was already done and the ice was stopping the ball from rolling properly. Although Liverpool managed to get the early goal to take the lead, I felt anxious every time the ball was being passed around the defence. Passes were seemingly under-hit as the ice took speed away from the ball, and players were struggling to find any form of the usual slick moves you'd expect to see from Liverpool.
The equalising goal on behalf of Leicester came at the hands of a needless free kick in added time at the end of the first half. Uncharacteristically, Robertson brought down a Leicester player in a dangerous position and Maguire, who should have been sent off earlier in the match, managed to level things up before the break. It was always going to be difficult for the Reds to get back into the game after this. Leicester are a well-drilled team defensively and played really well, but the weather conditions made things even more tricky than usual. There was simply no rhythm to Liverpool's game and the efforts of the groundsmen to clear ice from the Leicester box at half-time didn't really have much of an impact.
I haven't watched the highlights since I returned from the game but a tackle on Keita inside the box looked a clear penalty from the stands. Perhaps on another night, this would have been the difference-maker but it was not to be and the Reds have to accept the draw and move on to the next game. Issues in defence are still causing Klopp a major headache and, with Fabinho deemed not well enough to start, Henderson had to fill in at right-back. Hopefully, Alexander-Arnold will be ready to rejoin the team soon because this is now a weak area for Liverpool that teams can look to exploit.
The Final Word
Although disappointing, Liverpool did manage to extend their lead to 5 points at the top of the Premier League table. There is some pressure now, however, to get the win against West Ham on Monday but Manchester City also have a tough game against Arsenal on Sunday.
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