London, Dec 27: Leaders Liverpool strengthened their grip at the top of the Premier League after coming from behind to defeat struggling Leicester City and move seven points clear.
Leicester had lost five of their previous seven matches but stunned Anfield by taking the lead through Jordan Ayew’s sharp sixth-minute finish.
Liverpool endured a frustrating half as Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah hit the post and crossbar respectively before Cody Gakpo levelled right on the stroke of half-time with a lovely curling finish from the edge of the box.
That lifted the hosts who took the lead for the first time just four minutes into the second half, Curtis Jones marking his 100th Premier League appearance by turning in Alexis Mac Allister’s cross.
Leicester, who dropped into the relegation zone after Wolves’ win over Manchester United earlier in the day, missed a golden opportunity to equalise when Patson Daka mis-kicked in front of goal before Mohamed Salah made sure of the points when he swept home the third goal – his 19th of the season.
While they are one point from safety after a third straight defeat, Liverpool are in a commanding position at the top, with a game in hand on the two teams immediately below them.
With Liverpool next in action at West Ham they have an opportunity to open up a 10-point lead on nearest rivals Chelsea, who are not in action until the following day at Ipswich (19:45).
Liverpool were far from their fluent best in what was their final game of the calendar year at Anfield but they got the job done on the day nearest rivals Chelsea slipped up at home to Fulham.
They started 2024 with a 4-2 win over Newcastle at Anfield to leave Jurgen Klopp’s side three points clear at the top.
Their 19th and final Premier League home game of 2024 also ended in victory that leaves Arne Slot’s side in a strong position to win the league for the first time in five years.
There was a carnival atmosphere in the closing stages as fans twirled scarves and chanted ‘Liverpool, Liverpool, top of the league’ after Salah’s 16th Premier League goal of the season.
But Slot and his players know there is an awful long way to go.
Yet this is turning into an extraordinary first season in charge for Slot. (Agencies)
