In a captivating Premier League clash at Anfield, Liverpool demonstrated their resilience by overcoming an early setback to claim a 3-1 victory over Leicester City on December 26, 2024.
Leicester struck first in the sixth minute through Jordan Ayew, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by the home side.
Liverpool quickly rallied and equalized just before halftime when Cody Gakpo showcased his sharp attacking instincts. The Dutch forward expertly converted a cross from the right, highlighting his excellent positioning and clinical finishing.
The Reds dominated the second half, with Curtis Jones celebrating his 100th league appearance by scoring in the 49th minute to put Liverpool ahead.
Mohamed Salah then sealed the win in the 82nd minute, registering his 19th goal of the season and cementing his place as one of the league’s top performers.
After the match, Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy praised Liverpool’s performance, particularly Cody Gakpo’s influence.
Having previously coached Gakpo at PSV Eindhoven, Van Nistelrooy remarked, “Cody’s progress has been phenomenal.
Seeing him today, I was reminded of how much he’s grown as a player. His goal and overall performance gave our defense a real challenge.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot also lauded Gakpo, saying, “Cody has been outstanding. His versatility and work ethic are essential for the team, and he consistently delivers in key moments.”
The victory extended Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points, capitalizing on Chelsea’s earlier defeat to Fulham. With a game in hand, Liverpool is firmly in control of the title race.
For Leicester City, the defeat leaves them in the relegation zone. Van Nistelrooy acknowledged the uphill battle ahead: “We had a clear plan, and the players gave their all, but it wasn’t enough. We need to regroup and focus on the challenges ahead.”
As Liverpool continues their push for domestic and European success, the contributions of players like Gakpo will be instrumental.
Meanwhile, Leicester faces the task of rebuilding their confidence and adapting their strategy to climb out of the relegation zone.
