Liverpool 4-0 Leicester City: Liverpool player ratings

It was billed as a test of Liverpool’s title credentials. A top of the table clash that was supposed to be competitive and hard-fought.

Instead, it was as one-sided as a game can be, as Liverpool gave Leicester City a footballing lesson and showed the rest of the league as to why the red juggernaut will take some stopping.

So dominant were the Reds that Leicester did not have a shot in the first half. Coincidentally, the last time this happened was in the reverse fixture at Anfield this season.

Liverpool started off brightly and should have scored in the first minute, but Sadio Mane could not connect properly from 5 yards and the touch went wide.

Liverpool took a well-deserved lead when Roberto Firmino headed in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inviting cross.

The game should have been over by half time but Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah contrived to miss a host of chances. There was more of the same after the break as Liverpool continued their dominance.

Salah continued to test the patience of Liverpool supporters with his profligacy and was rightfully hauled off for Divock Origi. Leicester enjoyed a brief spell of dominance only for Liverpool to crush any hope the Foxes had with a 3-goal blitz in 6 minutes.

Liverpool are now 13 points off second place and if this performance was anything to go by, they will take some stopping. The Reds go marching on.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Alisson Becker (7/10)

Hard to judge the Brazilian when he had nothing to do all game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (10/10)

A complete performance from the flying fullback. Dominant in both the defence and the attack. Rounded off the match with a thunderous drive to put the match beyond any doubt. Two assists and a goal for the 21-year-old. Unreal player.

Joe Gomez (9.5/10)

Carried on from where he left off against Flamengo with a masterclass against the league’s top-scorer, Jamie Vardy. Expertly marshaled Vardy, with the Foxes striker just getting the better of him once.

Brought the ball out of defence often and handled whatever Leicester threw at him with minimal fuss. Picked up an unfortunate yellow for bringing down Vardy.

Virgil van Dijk (9.5/10)

A no-nonsense performance by a no-nonsense player. Imperious as usual, as Leicester hardly got a look in.

Andrew Robertson (8/10)

Was excellent and bombed up and down on the left flank. Won back the ball well and got into crossing positions often. Got turned inside out by Pereyra and was guilty of a misplaced pass to Alisson. Held up well otherwise and dominated his flank.

Jorden Henderson (10/10)

Controlled the tempo of the match and marshaled his team well. A captain’s performance that ensured that Liverpool won the midfield fight and kept the ball moving. Came off for Lallana with a slight knock late in the match.

Naby Keita (7.5/10)

The Guinean midfielder continued his upturn in form with a silky performance. Picked and weaved through the Leicester midfield and even went on one of his mazy runs that he was known for at Leipzig. Ran out of steam in the second half and was substituted for the astute James Milner. Seems to be coming into his own as a Liverpool player.

Georginio Wijnaldum (9/10)

How Liverpool could have used him against Flamengo. Won back the ball regularly and then kept hold of it. His positioning and passing were immaculate as Liverpool won the midfield battle early on and never relinquished it.

Mohamed Salah (4/10)

One of the worst performances by the Egyptian in the red shirt and rightfully pulled out in the 68th minute. His finishing and touch were both horrendous. Chose to take a shot from a tight angle than pass it to Mane for a tap in and found himself marked well by Soyuncu.

A night to forget for the Egyptian, who was surprisingly the worst Liverpool player on the pitch.

Roberto Firmino (10/10)

Two more goals for the Brazilian as he seems to have found his scoring shoes after a barren spell. Moved well into spaces and brought both Mane and Salah into the game.

He was clinical and took both his goals with confidence. Was instrumental in closing down Wilfred Ndidi as the Foxes struggled for any sort control.

Sadio Mane (6.5/10)

Should have scored twice in the first half but instead flashed one wide while Schmeichel saved the other. Was wasteful in the final third and had enough opportunities to add to Leicester’s misery.

Not his best performance of the season, considering the standards he has set for himself. Picked up the assist for Alexander-Arnold’s goal.

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Substitutes

James Milner (7.5/10)

Calmly slotted the ball past Kasper Schmeichel from the spot with his first touch and added fresh legs to the Liverpool midfield. Brought his experience to the fore as Liverpool made light work of the Foxes.

Divock Origi (6.5/10)

Didn’t really have anything to do, as a Liverpool blitz put the tie beyond doubt within 6 minutes of him coming on. Once again the lucky charm for Liverpool.

Adam Lallana (N/A)

Came on late for captain Jordan Henderson, who picked up a knock after a clash with Ayoze Perez. Kept things tidy in the midfield as Liverpool saw out the game comfortably.