After a run of 10 victories that saw them move to the top of the table of the Premier League going into Christmas, Claudio Ranieri’s men were finally beaten away from home at Anfield on Boxing Day. Christian Benteke who came on for Divock Origi after the latter picked up an injury in the first half scored a stretching goal which was enough to see of the Foxes.
Liverpool are now 8th in the table just 5 points away from the European spots. Here are the player ratings for this match:
Liverpool:
Simon Mignolet (3):
Had his tensed moments as usual but did very well to keep out Leicester and keep a clean sheet on the night.
Nathaniel Clyne (3.5):
Hardly put a foot wrong at the back and was a constant presence in the attacking third for Liverpool.
Dejan Lovren (4):
Coming back from injury, the Croatian had a superb game in the center of the defense as he made a number of clearances to keep the like of Vary quite.
Mamadou Sakho (2.5):
Was good in the air giving the Leicester attackers no time on the ball but was always under pressure and not too far away from a mistake at the back.
Alberto Moreno (3):
The Spaniard was his usual energetic self as he put in a number of interceptions and also provided an outlet in attack.
Emre Can (3):
The German international was a useful player in the mid-field for Liverpool. He burst forward occasionally but also put in a good defensive shift.
Jordan Henderson (3.5):
The skipper of the club was superb with his energy in the middle of the field as he constantly found the right passes forward to set his team on the attack.
Adam Lallana (3.5):
One of the most improved player under Jurgen Klopp, Lallana is a hard working player who was relentless all game and also created chances for his team in the final third.
Phillipe Coutinho (3):
The Brazilian was not too involved in most parts of the game but was electric when he had the ball. Almost scored with a stunning shot from outside the box.
Roberto Firmino (3):
Was not really at the top of his game but produce the one bit of brilliance that led to Benteke’s goal in the second half.
Divock Origi (3):
Used his pace and strength to trouble the Leicester backline but was taken off late in the first half after he picked up a hamstring injury.
SUBS:
Christian Benteke (3):
Provided the focal point for Liverpool’s attack and made the home side look more of a physical threat in the final third. Scored a well taken goal but also missed a sitter in the dying stages of the game.
Lucas Leiva (2.5)
Joe Allen (2.5)
Leicester City:
K Schmeichel (3):
Made a series of brilliant saves in the first half but could not do much to prevent Benteke from scoring.
W Morgan (3):
Looked vulnerable against the pace of Origi but was relishing the physical battle against Benteke in the second half.
R Huth (3):
Made a number of blocks and interceptions as he frustrated Liverpool in front of the goal all night long.
D Simpson (2.5):
Found it hard to handle Coutinho on the outside but did well to limit the crosses into the box.
C Fuchs (3):
Kept Liverpool on their toes with his attacking mind set and was also a nuisance for the home side with his long throws into the box.
A King (2):
Was a mere spectator in the middle of the park as he hardly troubled the Liverpool mid-field on the night.
M Albrighton (2.5):
Could have done a lot more going forward and was also caught out a number of times by Clyne on the outside.
N Kante (3):
Was full of energy in the mid-field as he looked dangerous with the ball at his feet and also provided good cover for his back four.
R Mahrez (3):
Showed his skill and class in a couple of occasions but did not find enough freedom to effect the game.
J Vardy (2.5):
Was full of running in the first half but made a number of wrong decisions that led his team down. Was subbed off after 70 minutes.
S Okazaki (2.5):
Another willing runner who was hardly given any service up front. But was not involved in any of the moves in the second half.
SUBS:
N Dyer (2.5)
L Ulloa (2.5)
A Kramaric (2.5)