It was a dominant win for the Premier League champions, Leicester, who find themselves just above the relegation zone after months of under-performing. Someone had to take the blame, and clubs don’t sack 20 players when things go pear shaped, so it was Ranieri who ended up getting the sack.
Also read: EPL 2016/17: Leicester City 3-1 Liverpool, Player Ratings
Monday night’s result was not one for the traditionalists who believe in sticking by managers. Danny Drinkwater and Jamie Vardy both spoke to Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreeves after the game and denied that Leicester players put in a greater shift because they’re not managed by the Italian boss any longer.
The Foxes put in a dominant display to completely outclass Jurgen Klopp’s men. The defeat now means that Liverpool are in danger of slipping out of the top four unless they can stage a dramatic turnaround in the business end of the season. Take a look at the major talking points from the game.
#1 Leicester City never lost their fight. They lost their trust in Ranieri
Leicester recorded their first win since New Year’s Eve on Monday night. The players went out with something to prove following criticism regarding their attitude and apparent backstabbing of Ranieri who delivered the unlikeliest of Premier League titles last May.
There were signs of the Leicester of last season as caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare got his team back doing the basics which was what made them such a formidable force last season. Obviously, losing a key player like Kante is going to make matters difficult, but that is no excuse for being in such a low position.
Vardy, for instance, came into the game having scored just one goal in his previous 18 Premier League games, yet he found his scoring boots as he netted a brace.
“We are staying up,” the Leicester fans sang at one point. Under Ranieri, though, it was, “we’re going to win the league.”
#2 Sympathy for Lucas Leiva
Jurgen Klopp is not the first Liverpool manager to play Lucas Leiva as a centre back. Everyone from Klopp to the Brazilian’s pet dog knows that is not his preferred position, and even Jamie Carragher said it’s a similar task to asking him to play on the right wing.
Of course, Liverpool’s supporters will be critical of his performance, but we would not even be discussing this had Klopp attempted to fix his relationship with France international Mamadou Sakho, who joined Crystal Palace on loan during the January transfer window.
The opposition will always rub their hands together when they see Leiva playing in defence. He’s not going to catch up with a speedy forward like Vardy, therefore, teams are going to take advantage of Liverpool.
Premature talk of the Reds winning the Premier League this season has descended into discussions about whether they will finish in the top four. Their defence suggests it will be a huge ask.
#3 Henderson conspicuous by his absence
Until he scored, Philippe Coutinho was doing the Mesut Ozil act. The Brazilian was on the same missing list as Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who, was legitimately absent through injury.
Henderson was left behind in Liverpool after sustaining a foot injury in training on Friday. The 26-year-old is very much the anchor of Klopp’s midfield, quickly retrieving possession and maintaining their trademark pressing game. His absence was felt as Liverpool’s midfield was easily overrun on numerous occasions by an energetic and passionate Leicester side.
The midfielder is also a doubt for Saturday’s clash against Arsenal in the Premier League.
#4 Despite conceding three goals, Simon Mignolet was not entirely to blame
Mignolet was one of a few Liverpool players to emerge with credit from the game on Monday night. He was quick to come off his line, made some solid saves and did his utmost to organise a terrible defence.
However, none of this suggests he is good enough to be Liverpool’s first choice goalkeeper. That being said, though, it is the right decision to select the Belgian ahead of Loris Karius.
Everyone knew Leicester had a point to prove and Shakespeare admitted after the game that he told Vardy to get in behind Klopp’s defence and be a nuisance.
Liverpool looked somewhat shocked by proceedings, and they shouldn’t as teams should prepare for the opposition to play to their strengths. Especially a team that are on the back of a Premier League triumph.
#5 Summer signings needed
Talk of Liverpool winning the league this season was not only premature but laughable. The Anfield outlet do not possess enough squad depth and Klopp lacks a number of top players who know how to win. The German can fire up the players at his disposal to win big games, getting through those teams with energy, effort and will, but there is no quality there ultimately.
It should be a task to upgrade your starting eleven but at Liverpool, that’s just not the case. The Reds don’t have a centre forward half as good as the teams they’re competing against, and they also do not have a centre back who wins battles and starts the next attack from the back. Liverpool also lack the ability to ride out pressure and to grind out results. Klopp is simply too reliant on shape, and none of his players can respond.
Liverpool ought to go out this summer and bring a big name in. Someone that can change a game, lift fans’ backsides of their seats and influence games throughout. Otherwise, key players at the club will become impatient with the lack of success and improvement under the manager.
