Downey: “Liverpool Are Rightly Top, and It’s Well Merited” | OneFootball

Liverpool Prevail Over Leicester City to Stay Top of Premier League

In a Boxing Day fixture cloaked in fog and drama, Liverpool overcame Leicester City 3-1 at Anfield to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. On the latest episode of Post-Match RAW from Anfield Index, Trev Downey and Karl Matchett dissected the Reds’ performance, discussing key moments, standout players, and the broader implications for Liverpool’s title charge.

Early Scare but Strong Recovery

Leicester stunned the Anfield crowd early on when Jordan Ayew turned Andy Robertson inside out before slotting a deflected shot past Alisson. As Trev Downey pointed out, “It was so straightforward, almost amateurish. You’d have expected Liverpool to deal with it better.” The goal underscored a shaky start for the Reds, who, according to Matchett, “looked a bit too casual in the opening exchanges.”

Despite the early setback, Liverpool regained control of the match. Cody Gakpo provided the spark with a stunning equaliser just before half-time, bending a shot into the top corner. Reflecting on this, Matchett said, “Gakpo is a player teams know will cut in, but stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Mac Allister and Jones Shine

The second half began with renewed intent from Liverpool, who took the lead through Curtis Jones. The midfielder marked his 100th Premier League appearance with a crucial tap-in following a low cross from Alexis Mac Allister.

Downey and Matchett were effusive in their praise for the Argentine World Cup winner. “Mac Allister is Liverpool’s heartbeat in midfield,” noted Downey. “His two assists showed not just technical brilliance but an incredible understanding of the game.” Matchett echoed the sentiment: “For £35 million, he’s been the cornerstone of this new-look Liverpool midfield.”

Salah’s Milestone Moment

The final nail in Leicester’s coffin came via Mohamed Salah, who netted Liverpool’s third with a clinical finish in the 82nd minute. The Egyptian reached a significant milestone, becoming the eighth player to score 100 Premier League goals at home. Downey summed it up perfectly: “Salah is the king of Anfield. His goal was a reminder of his enduring brilliance and importance to this team.”

Photo: IMAGO

While the match ended in victory, both contributors pointed out areas for improvement. “Liverpool need to tighten up defensively,” said Matchett. “We can’t keep giving teams these early opportunities, especially in high-stakes games.”

Premier League Title Hopes Brighten

The win solidified Liverpool’s position at the league summit, seven points clear of Chelsea with a game in hand. Discussing Liverpool’s prospects, Downey remarked, “It’s lovely to see Liverpool back at that perch Ferguson tried so hard to keep us off. What Arne Slot has done is remarkable—not just maintaining Klopp’s legacy but building on it.”

Matchett added: “We’re seeing a team that knows how to win, even when not at their best. That’s the hallmark of champions.”