Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points with a game in hand after an emphatic 3-1 win over Leicester City on Christmas Day.
The Reds received a significant boost ahead of kick-off as both Manchester City and Chelsea dropped points earlier in the day – City drawing with Everton and Chelsea suffering a 2-1 defeat against Fulham at Stamford Bridge. This presented Arne Slot’s team with the perfect opportunity to consolidate their position at the top, and they got the job done.
Leicester City took a surprise lead at a foggy Anfield, with Jordan Ayew finding the back of the net inside the first 10 minutes. However, Liverpool quickly secured control of the game, creating several chances and hitting the woodwork twice in the first half.
The equalizer came in first-half stoppage time when Cody Gakpo produced a moment of brilliance. Collecting the ball down the left flank, he cut inside a defender and unleashed a trademark curling shot into the top right corner to make it 1-1 heading into the break.
Liverpool resumed the second half with relentless pressure, and it took just four minutes to take the lead. Curtis Jones calmly slotted home from distance after being set up by Alexis Mac Allister, putting the Reds 2-1 ahead.
Cody Gakpo looked set to score a third soon after, but a lengthy VAR review ruled out the goal. However, the result was sealed in the 82nd minute when Mohamed Salah struck a sensational shot from a tight angle, securing all three points for Liverpool.
Mo Salah continues to shine amid contract uncertainty
Salah’s goal capped another remarkable individual performance, taking his Premier League tally this season to 16 goals and 11 assists in just 17 appearances, making an astonishing 27 contributions. In all competitions, the 32-year-old now has 19 goals and 15 assists in 25 games. (Transfer market)
After the game, he was again asked for an update on his future and, although he has twice made public statements about his contract situation, this time he chose to remain tight-lipped.
He simply said (quote via to express): “I wish the fans a Happy New Year and see you at the next home game,”
There was one report on your future at the club last month, but recent reports suggest the club does close to announcing a new 2-year contract with the player.
Fans are increasingly anxious about his future as his contributions this season underline his continued importance to the team. Liverpool won’t get a replacement for those kind of numbers and if they end up letting him go, it’s sure to cause a huge backlash from the fans.
