Liverpool vs Leicester LIVE: Premier League latest goals and updates as Salah scores in comeback win for Reds
Arne Slot’s Liverpool welcome a struggling Leicester side, with the Reds looking to extend their lead at the top
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Your support makes all the difference.League leaders Liverpool host Leicester City in the Premier League in the late Boxing Day kick-off this evening, with the hosts looking to extend their lead at the top.
Arne Slot’s side put in a brilliant performance in beating Tottenham 6-3 last time out, with that win bringing their lead to four points along with their game in hand.
And they now face a Leicester side that has been struggling for form of late, having lost 3-0 to Wolves last weekend in what was Ruud van Nistelrooy’s fourth game in charge.
The Foxes sit in 17th, just two points above of the relegation places, ahead of a run of fixtures that also includes games against Manchester City and Aston Villa.
Follow all the latest build-up and team news from Anfield below:
90+4’ - Liverpool 3-1 Leicester
Salah almost frees Jota into the box but Vestergaard gets over to ssee it behind for a corner, which Leicester defend. Another late change from Van Nistelrooy, Okoli on for Coady at the back.
Just a few minutes left.
90’ - Liverpool 3-1 Leicester
Into stoppage time we go - Liverpool wanted more than they got first half but they possibly won’t be too bothered either way after nine extra minutes are added this time around.
Slightly odd from the officials perhaps but it was indeed mostly themselves who took that time in this second half with the VAR checks.
A final sub for Liverpool as Elliott comes on for Mac Allister.
86’ - Liverpool 3-1 Leicester
Tsimikas and Endo on for Robertson and Gravenberch as Slot rests a few key starters at the end of the game. DeCordova-Reid is on for Mavididi for Leicester.
The home fans are in fine voice now the points are all-but-sealed, sounding out their appreciation for topping the table at the end of 2024.
GOAL! 83’ - Liverpool 3-1 Leicester
There’s the finisher! So simple and we’ve seen it so many times: Salah played in down the right wing, drifts infield, doesn’t even beat his man this time but shifts it slightly and curls it coolly inside the far post.
So smoother and unerring - and an assist to go with the earlier goal for Gakpo, who has been excellent tonight.
Top of the table for the new year for Liverpool.
82’ - Liverpool 2-1 Leicester
Szoboszlai barges over Ayew who is on the run...yellow card and a suspension. He didn’t start tonight to try and prevent that very situation - he’ll miss the trip to West Ham as a result.
Twice now in quick succession Leicester players go flying to ground wanting fouls; both occasions the ref waves them away and says play on.
78’ - Liverpool 2-1 Leicester
Slot urging his players forward to go on and finish this game off. Salah bursts into the box down the right channel and toe-pokes at goal - easy save.
There are the subs as noted - another no-show for Nunez in terms of the scoresheet and not one of his more impactful showings, feels Richard Jolly:
“It may have summed up Darwin Nunez's night that, by being offside, he cost Cody Gakpo a second goal. Nunez has spent much of his time interfering with play, not always to Liverpool's advantage.”
74’ - Liverpool 2-1 Leicester
No surprises on the upcoming subs for Liverpool, with Diogo Jota and Dominik Szoboszlai being readied. They’ll be on for Nunez and Jones.
Still 15 minutes and stoppage time to go and still just a one-goal lead for the Reds, who will go seven points clear if they do take the victory tonight, which certainly isn’t a done deal just yet.
70’ - Liverpool 2-1 Leicester
...two checks required, and the second is a confirmation - Nunez was just off as Salah laid it across. Stil 2-1 and Leicester earn a reprieve. More than three minutes to do that check.
70’ - Liverpool 2-1 Leicester
Liverpool think they have a third - the offside flag is up. Nunez should have found the net, Gakpo did, after Salah’s cross was initially scuffed by the Uruguayan and landed at the Dutchman’s feet.
His thunderous finish beat defenders and goalkeeper on the line alike, but the flag was straight up. Another lengthy VAR check...
66’ - Liverpool 2-1 Leicester
Stolarczyk called into action once more as a sweeping move sees Nunez played into the right channel and his first-time shot is on target - but blocked by the keeper’s outstretched arm.
Robertson’s corner is punched clear; Alexander-Arnold crosses from the opposite channel and Gakpo flicks a header goalwards, but it’s again saved.
Double sub for Leicester: Skipp and Buonanotte on for Winks and El Khannous.
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