Visualized: Liverpool 1-1 Leicester

Previous Match Infographics: Crystal Palace (h), Brighton (a), Manchester City (a), Arsenal (h), Newcastle (h), Wolves (a), Manchester Utd (h), Napoli (h), Bournemouth (a), Burnley, Everton (h), Paris St-Germain (a), Watford (a), Fulham (h), Arsenal (a), Cardiff (h), Red Star Belgrade (h), Huddersfield (a), Manchester City (h), Napoli (a), Chelsea (a), Southampton (h), Leicester (a), Brighton (h), Crystal Palace (a), West Ham (h)

Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app. 



Well that was a kick in the teeth. A return to earth. An infuriating result.

And Liverpool didn't even lose.

After Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace, I spent two paragraphs waxing lyrical about how Liverpool have often been lucky this season. So I guess this is only fitting. My bad.

It is easy to complain about Martin Atkinson. It is easy to write that Liverpool should have had at least one penalty if not two: Keïta obviously clipped by Ricardo, for sure, but also when Maguire shoved his forearm into Mo Salah's throat when blocking off his run through the box.

And then there's Maguire again, hauling down Sadio Mané when potentially through on goal, a caution rather than dismissal, mostly likely because of the distance to goal even though it appeared a clear scoring opportunity.

And then there's Maguire again, popping up for Leicester's equalizer literal seconds before the halftime whistle, five minutes after he could have seen red.

It is too easy to complain. Which also makes it easy to overlook the things that Liverpool failed to do.

This was a bad attacking performance. As in really, really bad.

Only Manchester City held Liverpool to fewer shots and a lower xG total at Anfield this season. This is only the third match where Liverpool have failed to take at least one clear-cut chance, after that City match and the 1-0 win at Huddersfield.

Leicester are the first non-Big Six side to hold Liverpool to ten or fewer shots at Anfield since Everton back in April 2017. And I suspect you remember that Merseyside Derby. Liverpool, scoring early then conceding to give Everton hope, but then 3-1 up after an hour and barely taking a shot afterwards, another hilarious derby where Everton think they can think they can think they can and then get put back in their box.

That wasn't quite the same as yesterday's match.

It's the stretch without shots that does me. That spell between the 7th and 74th minute, where Liverpool took just one of their ten shots. Three from the first to the sixth minutes, including the goal, where Liverpool looked on pace to romp, then six from the 74th through the 90th, futilely pushing for a winner despite a paucity of good openings. 67 minutes, with almost half of them when the score was level. One shot: Mo Salah from just inside the box immediately blocked.

But it is hard to take shots when you can't get the ball inside the penalty box.



For all those final third passes, there sure ain't a lot into the box. Or, more accurately, there sure ain't a lot of completed passes into the box.

This is not the first time we've complained about a paucity of shots and difficulties in creating them, the aforementioned 1-0 at Huddersfield, as well as the 1-0 Brighton most notably. There have been a lot of narrow wins won not because Liverpool blew their opponents away but because Liverpool didn't concede. And the opposition's had chances in more than a few of those narrow games: Groß's clear-cut chance saved against Brighton, Mahrez's missed penalty against City, Hogg hitting the woodwork for Huddersfield, missed clear-cut opportunities by Fulham, Everton, and Newcastle with the score still at 0-0.

The law of averages demands that Liverpool be punished sooner or later, pretty much no matter the opponent. And Leicester still needed Keïta's block to fly directly to Chilwell, and Chilwell's header to find Maguire, onside by less than a yard, to get their goal, having missed an earlier clear-cut chance as so many opponents have missed against Liverpool.

To be fair to Leicester, they've already beaten both City and Chelsea this season. Only Everton, Chelsea, Liverpool, and City allow their opponents fewer shots per match. They've still got a team full of players who've won the league. They've got Claude Puel as manager, with a record of 3W-4D-2L against Liverpool, most memorably with four matches unbeaten in charge of Southampton in 2016-17.

And to be fair to Liverpool, it's January 31st and this was Liverpool's first dropped points against a non-top five side. In match 24. Which, coincidentally, has not been a good match for Liverpool in previous seasons.

#Liverpool results in PL game week 24 under Klopp and Rodgers.

18/19: LFC 1 - LEI 1
17/18: SWA 1 - LFC 0
16/17: HUL 2 - LFC 0
15/16: LEI 2 - LFC 0
14/15: EVE 0 - LFC 0
13/14: WBA 1 - LFC 1
12/13: ARS 2 - LFC 2

Klopp finally wins a point in GW24. Progress.

— Firminator (@lubomerkov) January 31, 2019

It's not quite nothing lost, nothing gained. But since Manchester City did similar yet worse a day before – scoring within a minute but giving it away, conceding twice to Liverpool's once – it is as good a time as any to drop two points that Liverpool probably shouldn't have dropped.

Dropped points happen, in crazy circumstances. Every season. That it's taken so long is a credit to this Liverpool side, as much as they've frustrated, as much as this frustrates.

The rest of the season depends on how Liverpool react to these dropped points.

Visualized: Liverpool 2-1 Leicester

Previous Match Infographics: Brighton (h), Crystal Palace (a), West Ham (h)

Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app. 



I did not enjoy Leicester taking the game to Liverpool.

Leicester out-possessed Liverpool, not just after Liverpool scored what should have been the game-killing second, but from the 20th minute on. They're the first non-top-six side to do so since Southampton last season, where Liverpool won 2-0 after two first half goals and were happy to concede possession amidst a run of packed fixtures and European competition. That was the only non-top-six match last season where Liverpool had less of the ball than their opponents.

Leicester out-pressed Liverpool, completing more tackles in Liverpool's half than Liverpool did in Leicester's.

Leicester out-shot Liverpool, something often unimaginable, even if game state had almost as much to do with it as Leicester's style of play.

Leicester made it hard for Liverpool do to Liverpool. Even if that didn't happen until Liverpool had already scored.

And once Leicester took the game to Liverpool, Liverpool had no outlet.

The swarming attack, and compact midfield and defense made it hard for Liverpool to build possession. And when that happens, Liverpool often look long. Especially when Liverpool have a lead, because Salah, Mané, and Firmino are that dangerous on quick counter-attacks.

That didn't happen on Saturday.



So many errant long passes, considering how good van Dijk, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, and Henderson are from range. So many attackers surprisingly well-marshalled by Leicester defenders, with Mané and Salah often unable to get down the flanks.

And when Liverpool did get the ball forward, usually up to Firmino, the center forward simply could not hold up play. His nine unsuccessful touches were, by far, a high for a Liverpool player in the first four games. Only Solanke had more in a league match last season, with ten in the 0-0 at Everton; Firmino's high in a league match last season was six, in three different fixtures. And he was also dispossessed five times – joint-worst with Wijnaldum – Salah at Brighton was the only Liverpool player dispossessed more often in a match so far this season.



That two of the three midfielders barely played more than a handful of passes in the attacking third isn't especially helpful either, with neither Wijnaldum or Henderson creating a single chance. I realize it's not necessarily either's responsibility – especially Henderson – but it's also no coincidence that Liverpool looked better against this type of opposition once Keïta came on. To be fair, Milner was better, but Milner's three key passes also all came from corners.




And, subsequently, Liverpool struggled to create chances, especially after the first 20 minutes.

Liverpool took ten or fewer shots in just five league matches last season: 0-5 at Manchester City, 2-2 v Tottenham, 0-0 at Everton, 2-2 at West Brom, and 0-1 at Chelsea. Liverpool were out-shot in just five league matches last season: 0-5 at City, 1-4 at Tottenham, 2-2 v Tottenham, 2-2 at West Brom, and 0-1 at Chelsea.

Liverpool did not win any of those fixtures last season.

Liverpool won this one. Liverpool could have won this one 2-0, if not comfortably than at least more comfortable than it was if not for one crazy moment.

That April draw at West Brom is a good parallel to Saturday's match.

An early kickoff. A non-top-six side that's given Liverpool problems in the past. A lack of shots but an early goal, then what should be the game-killing second. But then mistakes. But then collapse. Two late goals conceded, from two set plays – a haphazard scramble, then an individual error on the offside line.

Liverpool may have conceded on Saturday, and in an incredibly dumb manner, but they just conceded once. And despite our collective repeated heart attacks, Leicester rarely threatened after Ghezzal's goal. Their only shot was from Wilfred Ndidi, a defense midfielder, from 25 yards out. In the 88th minute. Almost immediately blocked by Naby Keïta.

Liverpool shelled reasonably well over the last half hour, keeping Leicester at bay, keeping Leicester out of the penalty box. Similar to the first half defensive performance where five of Leicester six shots came from outside the box, rather than the first 15-20 minutes of the second half where Leicester actually looked threatening.



And both of Leicester's late set plays went nowhere. Look, we're all still traumatized by last season's set play defense. With reason. Late corners and free kicks end in scrambles that lead to goals. No matter the increasing infrequency, we still remember.

In added time, Van Dijk cleared a free kick behind, then van Dijk headed a corner away. Incidentally, Liverpool have allowed just four shots from set plays so far this season: two from West Ham on corners (Balbuena easily saved, Antonio awkward and well off-target), Milivojevic's free kick that Alisson's excellently saved, and Maddison's free kick into the wall on Saturday. That's it. 15 opposition corners in the last three matches. Zero opposition shots.

It may be as much signal as noise, but that this result came in an early Saturday kick-off makes it even more encouraging. Because Liverpool very much suffered in those matches last season.



That was the first early Saturday kick-off which Liverpool won since Palace away at the end of March. Which was the only early Saturday kick-off Liverpool won last season, with 1W-5D-2L in those matches.

So while the style of play, subpar Liverpool performance, and procession of the match may have been similar to some of these fixtures last season, the result wasn't.

As against Brighton – Liverpool's first 1-0 win in a calendar year – Liverpool won a match when not at its best. Liverpool won a match where the opposition kept Liverpool from doing what Liverpool are capable of doing for the majority of the match. Liverpool won a match where the opposition was the better side for the majority of the match.

Liverpool won a match that they'd most likely have drawn last season.

Liverpool 2-1 Leicester

Goals:
Mané 10'
Firmino 45'
Ghezzal 63'

That was over-flowing dumpster set on fire careening down a hill. That was so bad. So, so bad.

Liverpool still won.

Well, let's be slightly fairer. The first 15 minutes weren't bad. The first 15 minutes were actually good, against a side that gave Liverpool tough matches in all three of last season's meetings. Liverpool should have scored within four minutes, with Firmino's clear-cut chance saved and Salah's even-more-clear-cut chance put wide. Liverpool did score within 10 minutes, with Robertson trucking through Ricardo Pereira, centering for Mané, delightfully taken in stride after a fortunate deflection from Maguire, controlled and toe-poked past Schmeichel for his fourth in four games.

Liverpool were pressing, Liverpool were creating great chances, Liverpool were ahead and seemed likely to get more.

And then they weren't.

I guess there's a reason that Claude Puel has one of the best head-to-head records of any manager with multiple matches against Jürgen Klopp. Now Liverpool can't get around Leicester's front-four press. Now Liverpool can't pass through a congested midfield, with Ndidi and Mendy terrorizing Henderson, Wijnaldum, and Milner. Now Liverpool can't even boot it long, with Salah and Mané unable to get free from markers, with Firmino unable to hold up play when actually on the ball.

But at least Liverpool continued to limit Leicester. Five of Leicester's six first-half shots were from nowhere and went nowhere close. The lone from inside the box, Gray from Ghezzal's throughball, was from a slightly acute angle, closely marked by Gomez, and well saved by Alisson.

And then Liverpool get a second, scoring just before halftime for the third time in four matches. Milner's corner, Firmino's header, slipping away from Maddison with everyone else watching Gomez. Perfect placement, strong power, 2-0. Now Liverpool are where they need to be. Now Liverpool will regroup and kill the match in the second half. We're done here, yeah?

Nope. Not only do Leicester remain the better side, but Leicester now have actual, honestly good chances. Ghezzal fizzes a low cross through the penalty area, one that someone really should have gotten onto. Gomez makes an enormous block after Maddison slithers around and away from van Dijk and Robertson. Wes Morgan somehow can't shoot when wide open after Albrighton flicks on a short corner.

And then disaster. The disaster we'd all feared. The disaster that nearly happened last week.

I'll roll the tape back a little further than most. We should have never reached the point where true disaster happened. Liverpool are again struggling to get through midfield after reclaiming possession. Henderson could have cleared rather than playing to a surrounded Gomez. Henderson, after receiving back from Gomez, fires a difficult ball to van Dijk's knees rather than a calmer pass or, you know, just clearing it himself. Van Dijk's back pass is away from Alisson, behind him and wide to the byline, where the keeper has to collect before being able to look up.

But then Alisson did an utter madness, trying to Cruyff turn away from Iheanacho rather than boot clear when he had the time and space, as he did a couple of times last week. And this time he utterly failed, with Iheanacho reading the move, stealing the ball, and centering for Ghezzal to slam in.

A mistake like this seemed inevitable. And if it's inevitable, I guess it's for the best it happened here rather than, say, last week against Brighton when Liverpool had just a one-goal lead. I'd also say "don't do it again" but I try not to be overly optimistic. Just maybe hopefully learn from it.

And now it's 2-1 and Leicester are truly in this and there are still 30 minutes left. And we're actually afraid for the first time this season.

To Liverpool's credit, Leicester had just one shot after Ghezzal's goal: Ndidi from 25 yards swiftly blocked. Liverpool calmed a little, at least after the substitutions, with Keïta and Shaqiri for Henderson and Salah helping matters. Liverpool had slightly more possession. The defense didn't do anything stupid, anything else at least, aside from Milner giving away a late free kick which led to a corner which led to nothing. But Liverpool remained horrific on the counter and in possession. Absolutely horrific.

Four consecutive wins, four from four for the first time since 1990-91, and I'm actually happy Liverpool have an international break coming up. Each of these four matches has been progressively worse, at least in midfield and attack. Mané took his goal excellently, and was the brightest of Liverpool's attackers when Liverpool were actually attacking, but that's absolutely grading on a curve. None of Liverpool's front three truly played well, for the third consecutive match. Salah was wasteful, Salah was too easily handled by Maguire and Chilwell. Firmino worked his butt off out of possession, but couldn't keep possession in the slightest bit when transitioning. Every final ball on the counter was off, everyone ran into rather than around defenders.

And the midfield was just as culpable. If not more so. Henderson's usually fantastic when Liverpool dominate possession, crucial to recovering clearances and pinning defenses back. He's a lot less so when the opposition presses and controls, often tearing around the defensive third and leaving gaps in the middle, unable to pass through the press and congestion. Similar goes for Wijnaldum and Milner, neither incisive enough nor good enough with the ball at feet to get through players. This is a big reason why Keïta – who truly didn't play well last week against Brighton – made such a difference when coming on; he's a player who does get into the spaces needed to move forward and, more importantly, can move the ball forward by himself. It's also why Liverpool will desperately miss Oxlade-Chamberlain at times this season.

But at least Joe Gomez was fantastic. So, so good. Van Dijk did enough, especially when going no-nonsense head away and hoof clear after Liverpool conceded. Liverpool's defense, moment of madness aside, was Liverpool's best feature for the third consecutive match. Liverpool doesn't have that moment of madness and we're laughing about how good this defense has been.

The overall play hasn't been good enough since Liverpool rolled what's been a terrible West Ham side so far on opening day. It hasn't been anywhere near what Liverpool are capable of doing.

But it's still been good enough to take four wins from four matches.

Liverpool at Leicester 09.01.18

7:30am ET, live in the US on NBC Sports

Last four head-to-head:
2-1 Liverpool (h) 12.30.17
3-2 Liverpool (a) 09.23.17
0-2 Leicester (a; League Cup) 09.19.17
1-3 Leicester (a) 02.27.17

Last matches:
Liverpool: 1-0 Brighton (h); 2-0 Crystal Palace (a); 4-0 West Ham (h)
Leicester: 4-0 Fleetwood (h); 2-1 Southampton (a); 2-0 Wolves (h)

Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Mané 3; Salah 2; Milner, Sturridge 1
Leicester: Gray, Maguire, Maddison, Vardy 1

Referee: Paul Tierney (LFC History) (WhoScored)

Guess at a line-up:
Alisson
Trent A-A Gomez van Dijk Robertson
Milner Henderson Keïta
Salah Firmino Mané

After three consecutive matches with the same XI, we've been promised changes. And I've little idea what they'll be. Or if there will really be that many.

Back five should be the same. Most importantly, you don't want to mess with what's been Liverpool's best unit so far in this short season. But also, Lovren's still injured, Gomez has played well, neither Alisson nor van Dijk are coming out. Maybe one of the full-backs is replaced; both have defended well, as the team's defended well, but neither's been at their best in attack – especially Alexander-Arnold.

You'd expect Henderson would come into midfield, but I said that prior to the last match. It could be for any of the three. We've got 32-year-old Milner already racking up the minutes, the Wijnaldum Away From Home axiom, and Keïta nowhere near his best against Brighton. Once again, it's still probably too soon for Fabinho, although he may finally make the bench.

And then there's that front three. Firmino, left out of the squad in just two of last season's 56 matches; Salah only missing a couple with a minor injury; and Mané, almost ever-present after last season's early hamstring injury and suspension. They were almost always available last season, and almost always played when available. And they were the main reason why Liverpool accomplished what Liverpool accomplished.

But this season might be different. There's at least more depth, with a frighteningly resurgent (for now) Sturridge as well as Xherdan Shaqiri, not to mention maybe Adam Lallana is a thing that exists. You'd think the former two will get starts, and probably sooner rather than later. You'd think Liverpool could play 4-4-2 with both Firmino and Sturridge up front, or 4-2-3-1 with Shaqiri in the hole behind that front three. Maybe we'll see it tomorrow.

But I dunno. And we won't know until we get examples of how Klopp's gonna rotate and what other formations are possible. Until then, it's a guessing game, and it remains easier to guess what we've seen before. Not to mention that this is the last match before the first annoying international break of the season, so it's not as if Liverpool necessarily need to rest players for what's to come. Not for a couple of weeks, at least.

Meanwhile, Leicester. Perpetually a problem. Puel's done well in settling the side after an unsurprising fall back to earth following that unlikely league title, a more proactive and pressing side than that under Rainieri. More potent full-backs, more of a 4-2-3-1 formation. Still the proclivity for counter-attacks and set plays. Still Gray's pace and Albrighton's dead balls and Harry Maguire's massive head and two defensive destroying midfielders.

But Leicester will be without Jamie Vardy, scorer of seven goals in eight games against Liverpool. Not that Kelechi Iheanacho – who will absolutely benefit from increased playing time; he's still only 21 – is that much of a downgrade.

Tomorrow's XI seems likely to be Schmeichel; Ricardo, Morgan, Maguire, Chilwell; Ndidi, Mendy; Albrighton, Maddison, Gray; Iheanacho. Nearly the same as at Southampton last week. Ricardo Pereira played on the right wing at Southampton, with Amartey at full-back, but I'd expect Pereira to return to his more familiar position tomorrow. Maybe Jonny Evans starts instead of Wes Morgan. Maybe Adrien Silva comes in for one of the two midfielders, or – less likely – Maddison for a more solid midfield.

As with the last three matches, this is a fixture that Liverpool won last season. For all the good and promising we've seen so far, and all the room for further improvement, and all the delight at the three wins from three start, we're solely on pace with last season's comparable fixtures.

At the same time, Liverpool haven't won their first four league matches since 1990-91, before the formation of the Premier League.

It's only the fourth match of a 38-game campaign, but we're already at the point where every one feels important, more important than the last. Strap in for 35 more of these, and that's only one of the four competitions Liverpool are in this season.

Visualized: Liverpool 2-1 Leicester

Previous Match Infographics: Swansea (h), Arsenal (a), Bournemouth (a), West Brom (h), Everton (h), Spartak Moscow (h), Brighton (a), Stoke (a), Chelsea (h), Sevilla (a), Southampton (h), West Ham (a), Maribor (h), Huddersfield (h), Tottenham (a), Maribor (a), United (h), Newcastle (a), Spartak Moscow (a), Leicester (a), Burnley (h), Sevilla (h), Manchester City (a), Arsenal (h), Hoffenheim (h), Crystal Palace (h), Hoffenheim (a), Watford (a)

Match data from WhoScored, except average position from the SofaScore app. 



This is admittedly a bit of a cop out, but Saturday was the Mohamed Salah Show.

Even considering it's the first time that Liverpool have done a league double over Leicester since their promotion back in 2014-15, even with Liverpool's impressive team-wide comeback, Liverpool's first win when conceding first this season; even with Emre Can's vast improvement in the second half (he's somehow always great or bad with little in-between); even with Matip and Lovren doing an excellent job keeping Vardy quiet after his early gift of a goal; even with two back-heel assists (I love back-heel assists), including one from Mané – whose creativity as well as two offside goals suggests he's getting back to form after a recent wobble – it's hard to look past what Mo Salah did.

Mo Salah won the game. Salah won the game with two goals, one a classic cut-in-from-the-right winger's goal, the other very much a striker's goal in sucking in, turning, and beating a not-that-hapless Harry Maguire.

And it's not the first time Mo Salah's won Liverpool a game this season. (Volume down or off now)



Back post runs, cutting-inside blasts, fast breaks, volleys, shots from distance, rebounds, headers, tap-ins. He's scored the goals of wingers and the goals of strikers. All season long.

23 goals before the New Year equals a Liverpool record set by Roger Hunt in 1961. Liverpool were in the 2nd Division in 1961-62.

Admittedly, this season's total is fueled by Salah's near-constant availability and more games than Liverpool have had in recent seasons because of Champions League participation, but 17 goals in the league after 20 games is Liverpool's joint-third highest since the beginning of the Premier League, behind only Suarez in 2013-14 and Fowler in 1995-96, tied with Fowler in 1994-95. Those players finished with 31, 28, and 25 league goals respectively.



There are some names on that list.

Salah's been involved in 29 of Liverpool's 77 goals so far this season – 37.7% – 23 goals and six assists. And, without looking, I'd have guessed higher. Firmino's second in goal involvement with 24 (16 goals, eight assists). Unsurprisingly, the front four are the only players to be involved in more than 10 (Coutinho 20, Mané 13).

His goals-per-90 is hovering right around the 1.0 mark. He's putting 50% of his shots on-target, and taking almost 80% of his shots from inside the box, while still averaging 2.0 key passes and 0.3 assists per 90 minutes.

Mo Salah had five clear-cut chances against Leicester, which is absolutely egregious. And he "only" scored two. Which is right in line with his conversion rate this season, with 14 of 32 clear-cut chances (43.75%) ending in goals. People aren't wrong when they suggest that a player who's already having one of Liverpool's best scoring seasons in the last 20 years could have even more.

Liverpool don't often have five clear-cut chances as a team in a single match – it's happened in nine of this season's 30 matches, which is a higher proportion than any other season I've tracked (including 2013-14) – and Liverpool are one of the best at creating clear-cut chances.

The most clear-cut chances a Liverpool player has had in a single match this season was three: Salah against Arsenal and Firmino against Swansea. I don't have the data for 2016-17, but the most any Liverpool player had in 2015-16 in a match was three as well – Firmino in the 4-1 at City. I'd suggest that five clear-cut chances for one player in a single match does not happen often.

Salah needs his teammates to create those chances. Salah needs the likes of Firmino, Coutinho, and Mané to give defenders other players that they have to focus on. This team is set up to maximize its attacking strengths, and Mo Salah's attacking strengths.

But he's taken almost full advantage so far, much to Liverpool's benefit.

Complaining about Mohamed Salah's fee as Liverpool's new record signing back in June – a record that's since been passed twice – seems a lifetime ago. Long may it continue.

Liverpool 2-1 Leicester

Goals:
Vardy 3'
Salah 52' 76'

That was all set up for failure.

Liverpool go behind within three minutes, as Matip's error – a misplaced pass from the back to Can – led a Jamie Vardy opener, the defense out of position and out-numbered, Iborra's perfectly weighted ball to Mahrez, just onside, centered to Vardy for a tap-in.

And it's all too perfect that it took 98 seconds for Liverpool to be behind thanks to a defensive error with Virgil van Dijk watching from the stands. This is what you're in for, brother, we want you to be aware of it as soon as possible.

Bad Liverpool often starts with comedy at the back. Bad Liverpool often continues with missed chances up front. Which is exactly what we processed to get.

Leicester are one of the worst sides in the world to give a 1-0 lead to. They're good at soaking up pressure and denying space in the final third. They're good at counter-attacking. And they're great at the dark arts: fouls that don't get called, time-wasting which doesn't get booked. Frustration mounts. Then Vardy goes and scores again, with his punchable face, probably after elbowing someone when the referee wasn't looking.

And it's made worse when Liverpool actually have chances. Specifically, Liverpool's top scorer. Two clear-cut opportunities for Salah, in the seventh and 20th minutes: the first pushed wide from Mané's cutback after lovely control, the second chipped wide when played in by Firmino. Couple that with a Mané "goal" rightfully ruled out for offside and Firmino's effort save but then played just close enough for Salah to touch but not to turn towards goal, and it felt like one of those days.

It especially felt like one of those days as the game increasingly deteriorated. Less space, less penetration in the final third. More shots from distance. More frustration.

This was the part of the match where Liverpool's midfield felt like a failure. Liverpool were behind because of defensive error and failure to convert chances, but Liverpool's midfield felt the most vexatious. Emre Can's having one of his "terrier running downhill chasing a tennis ball" games. Milner trying to make runs, trying to create, but he's still James Milner. And Coutinho's deployed on the right side of the three, ostensibly for Milner's protection against Mahrez on the counter, but a position which means he's rarely in a natural shooting or passing position, constantly needing to check back to create or shoot, or playing low-percentage outside-of-the-boot passes.

It was all very infuriating. As has been far too often the case in matches at Anfield this season. As is far too often the case against Leicester.

But, somehow, Liverpool go and redeem themselves in the second half. Mo Salah goes and redeems himself, not that he needed redemption with the season he's had so far.

First, after a Liverpool throw-in – a throw-in Liverpool had because Salah somehow kept the pass from defense in play. Firmino to Can to Mané, wonderfully back-heeled into the Salah Zone, Salah behind Maguire and in front of Fuchs, holding off the left-back, cutting away from Amartay, and slotting through Schmeichel.

So good – the assist, the control, the strength, the run, the finish. Two missed chances, but he goes and does that, and we end up expecting every chance to go in.

But we've been here before. 1-1 at Anfield, even when conceding first.

Five minutes after that, Salah's chip is on the roof of the net rather than the back of it, another clear-cut chance missed. Eight minutes after that, Mané has the ball in the net again but is offside again. And two minutes after that, hearts in mouths with Leicester possession and Leicester pressure and holy crap I thought that shot from Ndidi was in.

And it starts to ebb away. Chances dry up. More Leicester possession happens. Substitutions happen, taking even more sting out of the game. We have definitely been here before.

But then Mo Salah happens. Again.

Slow build-up and Firmino dropping deep leads to a pass into Milner, who back-heels it into the Salah Zone, this time with the forward backing into Maguire. Who's 6'4" and 220 pounds but surprisingly quick for a big man and surprisingly competent for an Englishman, Salah holds him off, turns him, evades the desperate tackle, and thwacks it under Schmeichel.

Sometimes I have no words for that man. Two Mohammed Salah goals – his 22nd and 23rd of the season so far, his 16th and 17th in the league. Liverpool are scoring for fun a lot this season, multiple players, and somehow Salah still has 35% of Liverpool's league goals and 30% in all competitions. And I have to mention that both goals came from back-heels, which remains a lot of fun.

So, we're back baby. 30 seconds ago, we're decrying how little time there was left in the match. Now it felt like too much. Way too much. And neither Leicester nor Liverpool helped. The former is actually decent at retaining possession when they want to. The latter loves to give us both heart attacks and aneurysms at the same time when put under pressure.

Long throws and crosses and so many long throws and holy crap they're coming back again. But with only one Leicester shot after Liverpool's go-ahead goal to show for it: Okazaki blocked from the top of the box with five Liverpool defenders between him and the goal.

By hook, crook, scrambles, and luck, Liverpool did enough to keep Leicester at bay. Even though we were terrified throughout, because we're all too aware that it takes just one moment. Liverpool never allowed nor gave Leicester that moment.

We did it guys. A late winner. Two goals in a match.

Salah's 76th minute goal is the latest decisive goal that Liverpool have scored this season. It's Liverpool's latest game-winning goal since Mané's at Everton way back in December 2016. 376 days ago.

This was the first time that Liverpool have won when conceding first this season.

This was the first time that Liverpool have scored two goals in a league match this season.

This was only the third time that Liverpool have won without scoring in the first half this season, after 1-0 v Palace and 3-0 v Huddersfield.

And this is the first time that Liverpool have beaten a Claude Puel-managed side, with a loss and draw against his Lyon, and two draws and two losses against his Southampton. Those Lyon matches hardly count, almost a decade ago, but the constant and overwhelming frustration in those Southampton matches last season remains very fresh in the minds.

And it feels so good. A narrow, battling, contentious 2-1 win feels better than 5-0 and 7-0 romps because we know this side is capable of 5-0 and 7-0. We've not seen them capable of narrow wins, of comeback wins, of ugly wins, of Anfield wins rather than Anfield draws in matches like these.

Liverpool are now unbeaten in their last 15 games, including 12 in the league. Liverpool will finish 2017 in fourth. Liverpool have done what Liverpool needed to do today, no matter the pain it caused us over 90 minutes.

Now they need to do it again in less than two days.

Liverpool v Leicester 12.30.17

10am ET, live in the US on NBC Sports

Last four head-to-head:
3-2 Liverpool (a) 09.23.17
0-2 Leicester (a; League Cup) 09.19.17
1-3 Leicester (a) 02.27.17
4-1 Liverpool (h) 09.10.16

Last three matches:
Liverpool: 5-0 Swansea (h); 3-3 Arsenal (a); 4-0 Bournemouth (a)
Leicester: 1-2 Watford (a); 2-2 United (h); 1-1 City aet [3-4 pens] (h)

Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Salah 15; Firmino 9; Coutinho 7; Mané 4; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sturridge 2; Alexander-Arnold, Can, Henderson, Lovren, Matip, Wijnaldum 1
Leicester: Vardy 8; Mahrez, Okazaki 6; Gray 3; Maguire 2; Albrighton, Iborra, King 1

Referee: Neil Swarbrick (LFC History) (WhoScored)

Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Gomez Matip Klavan Robertson
Milner Can Alex O-C
Salah Firmino Mané

Guessing tomorrow's XI seems almost a fool's errand.

There will be changes. There have been changes from match-to-match all month long. And Liverpool have another match exactly 46 hours after this one ends.

I suspect it'll be more 4-3-3 than 4-4-2 given Leicester's playing style and that Liverpool are at home but, as against Swansea, even when Liverpool line up 4-3-3, there are elements of 4-4-2. From there, my guessed XI is plug-and-play based on who fits and who's available.

Firmino, Salah, and Robertson all had some rest when taken off against Swansea. Can seemingly has to play as the deepest midfielder in this formation, but could be flanked by Coutinho, Wijnaldum, Milner, Lallana, or Oxlade-Chamberlain. Salah seems to play every match. There seems no reason to change the Matip-Klavan partnership, Gomez will probably come back in for Alexander-Arnold, and evidently Mignolet's keeping his place until the heat-death of the universe.

Henderson, Moreno, Sturridge, and Clyne remain absent. I know Henderson's been a preferred scapegoat this season – and admittedly often hasn't been at his best – but he'll be a big miss in midfield with fixture overload.

And, no, Virgil van Dijk won't be available. It's not even January. He's not even a Liverpool player. You've got at least a week to wait.

Meanwhile, Leicester. Are back to Leicestering. Four games without a win belies what they've done since Claude Puel took over. A 1-1 draw with Manchester City in the League Cup was impressive, only losing on penalties, as was a 2-2 draw with United thanks to an injury time equalizer. Last Tuesday's 1-2 loss at Watford certainly wasn't great, but came about with a rotated side and the losing goal via a Schmeichel own goal.

The festive season poses Leicester problems though. They're often reliant on Vardy and Mahrez. There's not a ton of depth or the ability to rotate. They could well look at Huddersfield on Monday as the more important match – or, at least the match where they're more likely to take all three points.

But they'll pose problems, as they did under Shakespeare in Liverpool's 3-2 league win a few months back. As they did in their 2-0 League Cup win over Liverpool four days prior to the league meeting. Vardy and Mahrez are a pain in the butt on counters. As is Demarai Gray, when he comes up with an end product. Albrighton and Fuchs are excellent crossers. And Okazaki – who started against Watford and rarely starts two in a row – has caused Liverpool problems in the last few meetings.

So let's guess Schmeichel; Dragovic, Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs; Albrighton, Ndidi, Iborra, Gray; Mahrez; Vardy. Either Gray or Albrighton would be left out if Okazaki or Slimani start up front with Vardy. King's an option in midfield; Chilwell could keep his place at left-back. Simpson and Huth are out injured.

Forget the future. Burnley on Monday, Everton in the FA Cup, the imminency of the Virgil van Dijk era. Tomorrow's Leicester. A side that's given Liverpool fits, but more often away from home, with Liverpool unbeaten against the Foxes at Anfield since promotion. But Liverpool's disappointed at Anfield, with the same number of draws as wins in the league – all five of those draws regrettable, all five either 1-1 or 0-0 – the main reason Liverpool are clinging onto fourth. And Liverpool are clinging onto fourth, just one point ahead of both Arsenal and Tottenham while Chelsea and United are four and five points ahead respectively.

Leicester will sit deep, Leicester will counter, Leicester will have chances. Liverpool are missing players, in a time of the season where missing players truly punishes. There have been a lot of games over the last month, there will be more games over the next week without a break.

But if Liverpool do what Liverpool are capable of – at both ends of the pitch, regardless of who starts – these should not be issues.

Visualized: Liverpool 3-2 Leicester City

Previous Match Infographics: Burnley (h), Sevilla (h), Manchester City (a), Arsenal (h), Hoffenheim (h), Crystal Palace (h), Hoffenheim (a), Watford (a)

Match data from WhoScored, except average position from Liverpool FC



There truly isn't much to say that hadn't been said after Watford, Sevilla, or Burnley. Except that Liverpool won, which makes all the difference.

Liverpool's attack remains really good.

They've now scored at least two goals in six of ten matches in all competitions. Four of those matches have seen Liverpool score at least three, and each of those four had goals from three different players. Liverpool have spread goals around, but Mohamed Salah also has six goals in just eight starts. Liverpool have only failed to score twice: at Manchester City, where a red card explains a lot, and last week in the league cup with a much-changed XI.

And Liverpool are doing it in different ways, from different players, despite Salah's incredible individual output. Each of Liverpool's three goals on Saturday was impressive in its own way. Each came in a difference phase: open play, set play, fast break.

First, a smart switch of play from Can, control and that cross from Coutinho, and Salah's well-taken difficult back-post header for the first.

Second, Coutinho's individual brilliance from a direct free kick – Liverpool's second direct free kick goal of the season and Coutinho's fourth since the start of last season.

Third, a well-timed tackle from Henderson as Leicester are pressing, and the counter's on. Quick to Coutinho, quick to Sturridge, a run at the retreating defense before picking the right pass to Henderson, who's clever enough to take a touch to put off both defender and keeper.

They're good goals, Brent.

Incidentally, this was only the fourth time that Liverpool have scored three or more goals without Sadio Mané in the starting line-up, in 21 matches since the start of last season where he didn't start. 3-0 Derby in the League Cup, 4-0 West Ham, 3-0 Boro, and now 3-2 Leicester.

But, obviously, Liverpool are still allowing too many goals. Again. Either canceling out all the good work in attack or, as on Saturday, coming too damned close for comfort. Liverpool have scored at least two in six of ten matches? Great! Liverpool have conceded at least two in six of ten as well: Watford, Hoffenheim, City, Sevilla, and Leicester (twice). Draw, win, loss, draw, loss, win.

Liverpool have scored in eight of ten matches, Liverpool have conceded in eight of ten matches. They only two where Liverpool kept clean sheets were against Crystal Palace, a narrow 1-0 win where Benteke missed a clear-cut chance – Palace is still yet to score in any league match this season – and against Arsenal, where Arsenal failed to put any of their eight shots on target.

Only Manchester City and Manchester United have scored more goals than Liverpool this season, while Chelsea have the same total as Liverpool, and those are the top three sides in the division. But only Palace, West Ham, and Leicester have allowed more league goals than Liverpool this season. Palace are currently 20th, West Ham are 18th, and Leicester are 17th.

Liverpool are allowing too many easy goals. Because Liverpool are allowing too many good chances.



Through six league matches, Liverpool have had 15 big chances and allowed 15 big chances – an average of 2.5 each match. Last season, Liverpool averaged 1.89 per league match and allowed 1.42.

In the league, 29.4% of the shots Liverpool have faced have been clear-cut chances. In all competitions, it's 20.2%

They're good shots, Brent.

Leicester's clear-cut chances all came from different situations as well. First, Okazaki's goal, from a corner, still Liverpool's bane. Yes, it's all different had the foul on Mignolet been correctly called, but it's still annoying marking with an annoying result. Then, Gray's shot saved directly to an unmarked Vardy, with Matip caught ball-watching. Then, Vardy's penalty – soft but Mignolet kicked through him after barely kicking the ball, and shouldn't have been in that situation.

And, yes, corners. Four of the 18 goals allowed so far this season have come from corners: Watford's opener, Watford's equalizer, Leicester's opener in the League Cup, and Leicester's opener to get them back into the game on Saturday. Only Okazaki in the League Cup, which was second phase after an initial clearance, wasn't a clear-cut chance.

There's a reason why loads of articles came out with Klopp talking about the defense yesterday.

He can't avoid mentioning individual errors – even if he unsurprisingly doesn't (and shouldn't) single individuals out – but this seemed more meaningful to me.

“We had a formation which they could not really cope with. Where we are, where Roberto (Firmino) is, where the ‘third eight’ is in between, where Phil (Coutinho) is, where Mo (Salah) is. So how we build up, that’s all.

“We play with three at the back in the build up, Roberto is a bit higher, that was really difficult for them. But then we stopped doing that, we wanted to control the game but we have to make these small ways still. Then we played the balls a little bit too late, and so they came up.

“As long as we are in a good rhythm and play the ball at the right moment, and good orientation, we couldn’t come in pressing situations after that. They could. So it opens the game a little bit. It’s not a physical thing, we just have to keep our concentration, to want to be dominant still, go and go on.

“If we decide to be a little bit more (controlling), use another rhythm if you want, we have to do it active, not passive."

Individual errors will remain an issue. But defending is first and foremost an entire-team problem, whether in the backline, midfield, or the front. Passivity when out of possession is a problem, in all phases. Fix that, and individual errors will almost certainly subside.

And, yes, Liverpool have been unlucky. Watford's third goal was offside. Maybe Mané isn't shown a red card by most referees. Ninety nine times out of a hundred, Lovren doesn't whiff when trying to clear that cross for Sevilla's opener. An accidental touch from Klavan set up Arfield's goal against Burnley, in a match where most referees would have given Liverpool a late penalty. Even Saturday, despite winning, as Vardy dove for the free kick to set up the corner where Mignolet was fouled for Leicester's opener, and Mignolet's save went straight to Vardy for the second. Individual errors that don't happen all that often, even given Liverpool's proclivity for individual errors, and less than helpful refereeing.

You have to believe that Liverpool's luck will improve, but there's also that old, true cliché about making your own luck.

So, in my mind, the only new takeaway is that Liverpool got away without punishment this time, after failing to do so in similar circumstances against Watford, Sevilla, and Burnley. Thanks to that attack, thanks to Mignolet's redeeming penalty save, thanks to an improved defense performance after that penalty save. They did so against a side seemingly built to exploit Liverpool's issues, and a side that's caused Liverpool numerous problems over the last few seasons, with Leicester having beaten Klopp's Liverpool by two goals in each of the three previous away meetings.

But, as matches against Watford, Sevilla, and Burnley have demonstrated, Liverpool won't get away with it often without improvement.

Liverpool 3-2 Leicester City

Goals:
Salah 15'
Coutinho 23'
Okazaki 45+3'
Henderson 68'
Vardy 69'

That was Liverpool distilled to almost as pure an essence as possible. Almost.

We got three great Liverpool goals, from three different players, from three different types of moves.

We got stupid and unlucky Liverpool concessions to make a game that should have been settled clearly not settled.

We saw the best of Mignolet and the worst of Mignolet in the space of three minutes, and throughout the entire match.

We saw Liverpool rampant and Liverpool on tilt. We had heart attacks throughout, especially in second-half added time.

Forget "pass and move, it's the Liverpool groove." Dumb and fun, that's how Liverpool run.

The only reason I wrote "almost" is that Liverpool won, thankfully denying us that narrative for at least one more match. Liverpool won, by any means necessary. Liverpool won despite themselves, Liverpool won because of themselves. In spite of opposition that almost always gives them trouble, in spite of a referee who also ruined Liverpool's opening day fixture.

The match started in the almost the best possible manner, with early goals from Salah and Coutinho. Salah's point-blank but difficult-angle header thanks to Coutinho's brilliant cross, then Coutinho's even better direct free kick. Liverpool could have had more had Can's shot from distance not slammed off the post, with Salah poking the rebound wide, or had Firmino converted his left-footed effort on the counter.

Liverpool could have conceded had Mignolet not denied Vardy in the sixth minute after Lovren played him onside, had Okazaki's shot not been deflected after Vardy robbed a dallying Mignolet, or had the linesman missed multiple Leicester players offside on a free kick that Okazaki then put into the net.

Obviously, 2-0 is rarely ever safe for this side, but Liverpool looked like seeing out the half fairly comfortably in spite of those earlier Leicester chances. They hadn't allowed a non-offside shot since the 17th minute. They were controlling tempo and tenor, even if with less possession than usual, and Firmino had just nearly scored a third.

But then, in the second minute of added time, a hopeful punt forward. Mignolet has it covered, charging out to clear, but Matip gets close enough to Vardy to allow him to dive. Which he does. And the free kick's given. And all hell breaks loose.

Mignolet denies Vardy's header from the free kick, but that means a corner. And you know what corners mean. Mignolet rashly charges out to try to punch. He misses, but he's also fouled, but it's also not called. Ndidi's errant header falls to Maguire, who's fouling Gomez, and everyone's out of position and the ball somehow gets to an open Okazaki on the goal line.

Half-time whistle. 2-1. Leicester back in the game.

Would Liverpool, unfairly punished in each their last three matches, fall apart after the restart? Would Leicester, often so good at home, make them pay for it?

Kind of, but not quite.

Leicester took the game to Liverpool more than they had at any other point after the restart. Nervous Liverpool touches, scrambled Liverpool clearances, they come again. But no Leicester shots. But just enough, just like between the 18th and 45th minutes. Liverpool even had the only potential scoring moment of note when Lovren was clearly, clearly, clearly held on a corner, preventing a clean header. Anthony Taylor, in all his wisdom, thoughtfully took everything in then booked Lovren for dissent.

Still, just enough until it almost wasn't, as Vardy got in behind onto Albrighton's through-ball but Matip recovered in time to block. Just enough, barely enough, until it seemed to be more than enough as Liverpool finally clicked on the counter just seconds after Vardy's chance. Henderson's interception, quick to Coutinho, quick to Sturridge, running to the penalty box then centering for Henderson, a touch to shirk the defender and shift the angle, and the two-goal lead restored.

For all of another minute.

Leicester kick-off. A couple of passes, a soft foul, a free kick spread wide to Albrighton, a run away from Gomez, a cross to Gray open at the back post, saved by Mignolet but right to Vardy unmarked six yards from goal.

Liverpool, everybody. Almost as pure an essence as possible.

At 2-1, we'd only seen partial tilt. Now we got full tilt. Three minutes after Vardy scored, Vardy stood on the penalty spot, somehow fouled by Mignolet on another long pass that beat Liverpool's back-line, fouled because Mignolet absolutely whiffed on an attempted clearance.

It had not been a good day for Simon Mignolet. The mistake for Okazaki's chance in the 17th minute. Yes, fouled, but still not strong enough to prevent Leicester's opener. Palming Gray's shot right to Vardy for Leicester's second. And now, conceding the penalty for what looked to be Leicester's equalizer, as Vardy had scored all five of the penalties he'd put on goal.

Simon Mignolet saved it.

Peak Simon Mignolet.

Incidentally, Mignolet has now saved seven of 15 penalties he's faced for Liverpool in the league.

From there, confidence somehow restored. Liverpool somehow almost comfortable – as comfortable as Liverpool get, at least – even when defending an unnecessary free kick in the fifth minute of added time. One Leicester shot in the final 20 minutes, from Ndidi 25 yards out and immediately blocked, compared to not-far-off chances from Sturridge (twice) and Wijnaldum.

So, yeah, it wasn't easy to watch. It rarely is. There were a lot of the good things we've seen from Liverpool: Coutinho and Salah and Henderson and Sturridge as a substitute. And there was a lot of the bad, with Liverpool defending more than adequately until WHAM they don't. Party at the front – even if less so than in draws against Sevilla or Burnley – and a party for the opposition at the back.

But Liverpool won. Despite that bad and that terror. On a ground where they'd lost by two goals all three times they'd faced Leicester under Klopp.

So, yeah, Liverpool once against needed at least three goals to win, as seems to be the case unless they're playing still-goalless Crystal Palace or Arsenal. But we can worry about those recurring defensive issues on set plays and against direct sides and despite having a lead tomorrow. And Monday. And when Liverpool *gulp* travel to Russia *gulp* to face Spartak Moscow on Tuesday.

But not today. When you've failed to win your last four matches, and probably deserved to win three of those four, I do not care how today's was achieved. When you beat opposition that's caused you so many problems recently, I do not care how today's was achieved.

Only that it's achieved.

Liverpool at Leicester 09.23.17

12:30pm ET, live in the US on NBC

Last four head-to-head:
0-2 Leicester (a; League Cup) 09.19.17
1-3 Leicester (a) 02.27.17
4-1 Liverpool (h) 09.10.16
0-2 Leicester (a) 02.02.16

Last three matches:
Liverpool: 0-2 Leicester (a); 1-1 Burnley (h); 2-2 Sevilla (h)
Burnley: 2-0 Liverpool (h); 1-1 Huddersfield (a); 1-2 Chelsea (h)

Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Mané, Salah 3; Firmino 2; Sturridge 1
Leicester: Vardy 4; Okazaki 2; Maguire 1

Referee: Anthony Taylor (LFC History) (WhoScored)

Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Trent A-A Gomez Klavan Moreno
Wijnaldum Henderson Can
Salah Firmino Coutinho

Only one match left to go on Sadio Mané's suspension. That can't end soon enough. Coincidentally, Liverpool have lost, drawn, drawn, and lost in the matches since Mané's red card.

It's been a fun two weeks. Thankfully, Liverpool supporters – as is their inclination – have taken it in stride. Or the opposite. Whichever.

And to continue the fun, yesterday saw the less than welcome news that Lovren, Can, and Matip are all struggling with injury issues. Coming off a loss to the same opposition, on the same ground, albeit with a team that'll be very different tomorrow, it's not exactly ideal.

Emre Can at least trained on Thursday, but neither Lovren nor Matip did. That's, um, worrisome. That would mean Liverpool would be starting its third- and fourth-choice center-backs – the same two who started on Tuesday. In the sixth league match of the season. For all of the injury problems last season, there was never a time where both Matip and Lovren missed a league match, where Liverpool had to start Lucas and Klavan together.

I remain more forgiving than most, but I still need another reminder as to why Liverpool didn't buy a center-back this summer. I also remain hopeful that Matip will be available, more likely in my mind than Lovren given how that the latter's already missed two matches, but "hopeful" is very much a relative term.

With Can in contention, Liverpool seemingly have two options for the front six. The first is the front three we saw against Burnley, with Can left on the bench – or Wijnaldum, as Liverpool are playing away from Anfield. But more likely, and the guess above, is the most-frequently deployed midfield with Coutinho moving into the front three.

I am not especially inclined to see Firmino and Sturridge start together again. The results have been less than ideal. I admit that it's slightly unfair to phrase it that way rather than "I'd prefer Firmino did not play on the left, thank you" but the results don't really lie. If it's 4-3-3, Liverpool have not done well when those two start. 4-Diamond-2? Fine, although it ain't happening when Salah's available. 4-2-3-1? I'm willing if you are, and I'm honestly surprised we haven't seen it in so long a time. But not 4-3-3. Firmino needs to be central – read: "central" – even if at the expense of Sturridge.

Regardless of who starts, Liverpool have not had the best of times against Leicester since Klopp became manager. Liverpool have won both home matches – one narrowly, one emphatically – but have lost all three at the King Power Stadium. All three by two-goal margins – 0-2 and 1-3 in the league in the previous two seasons, and 0-2 in the League Cup earlier this week.

Leicester, especially on their own ground, are the archetypes of exactly how Liverpool often fail in "these types of matches." Leicester can press, better than they're given credit for, but Leicester are much more likely to sit deep and deny Liverpool, then look to counter against the high line. Liverpool do well, but sputter in the final third, then Liverpool concede against the run of play, then all fresh hell breaks loose. Leicester have done it to excellent effect against Liverpool more than once, even if Leicester are not the only ones.

Robert Huth and Matty James are out, but Jamie Vardy should be back in training after missing the midweek match. Which isn't the best news, as he's scored five goals in his last three games against Liverpool, including two in both of Leicester's away wins. Fuchs should also return from an eye injury.

Leicester's XI seems likely to be Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs; Mahrez, Ndidi, King, Albrighton; Okazaki, Vardy. Which features only three starters from Tuesday's meeting, although Okazaki obviously had an impact off the bench, and either Amartey – who was at right-back on Tuesday – or Iborra could play in midfield rather than King.

For all the complaints, life and Liverpool really aren't the worst. The underlying statistics – even with Mané absent, even with one or even both center-backs missing – suggest someone's due for a hammering. Ideally sooner rather than later. It's still early, this Liverpool side is better than its recent results, and Liverpool have played better than their recent results.

It could well be tomorrow – as happened when these sides met at Anfield in September last season. But, given precedent, I'll still fear the worst until Liverpool proves otherwise.

Visualized: Liverpool 1-3 Leicester


Previous Match Infographics: Tottenham (h), Hull (a), Chelsea (h), Swansea (h), Manchester United (a), Sunderland (a), Manchester City (a), Stoke (h), Everton (a), Middlesbrough (a), West Ham (h), Bournemouth (a), Sunderland (h), Southampton (a), Watford (h), Crystal Palace (a), West Brom (h), United (h), Swansea (a), Hull (h), Chelsea (a), Leicester (h), Tottenham (a), Burnley (a), Arsenal (a)


All match data from Stats Zone and Who Scored.


There are times where I'm tempted to completely skip these. Or just make a mockery of it, posting poop emojis or dumpster fires where the infographic should be. I guess I feel I owe it to y'all or just can't break tradition or need these to be complete for when I go back to research things in the future.

This is assuredly one of those times.

It was and it wasn't the not-entirely-unexpected "same shit, different day." You know – Burnley away, Sunderland away, Swansea at home, Hull away.

Sure, there are a lot of similarities. We have been here before. Most notably, Liverpool dropping points – usually in losses – against relegation-threatened sides. All of Liverpool's five league losses this season have come against sides in the bottom half: Burnley away (11th), Bournemouth away (14th), Swansea home (16th, 20th before the match), Hull away (19th), and now Leicester away (15th, 17th before the match). Three of Liverpool's five losses have now come after the New Year.

But almost every one of the bad results since the start of 2017 has seen Liverpool repeatedly run into a brick wall before stupidly conceding. Even in almost every bad performance – Burnley away in August and Swansea away in October aside – Liverpool have still started the stronger side. This time, Liverpool didn't even have the chance to humiliate itself in attack before humiliating itself in defense.

This time, Leicester took the game to Liverpool. Which, considering Leicester's circumstances, shouldn't have been all that surprising. And the team should have been prepared for it.

As if it was going to be any great surprise how Leicester would play. Set plays and long passes to Vardy. It's how Leicester succeeded last season and how Leicester have usually tried to play, until Ranieri tinkered with it when it wasn't working for him. And the team should have been prepared for it.

In front of their own fans and in search of redemption, Leicester had four good chances within 20 minutes. A long throw headed on-goal by Huth in the 5th. A long throw only half-cleared, with Vardy's shot redirected by Okazaki, well saved by Mignolet in the 7th. Huth's free header from a corner not far over the crossbar in the 15th. And a punt by Schmeichel over everyone, controlled by Vardy around both Lucas and Matip, again denied by Mignolet in the 20th.

Three set plays and a hoof from the goalkeeper. And all before Liverpool took a shot.

It seemed only a matter of time before Leicester opened the scoring, as Liverpool offered nothing in return. And it was. Headed pinball in midfield before Wijnaldum misplays an awkward, first-time pass directly to Albrighton, whose throughball finds Vardy in behind a pushed-forward Lucas and Matip.



Poor Lucas. That's just a recipe for disaster all over, from the midfield positioning to the defensive line, and all it takes is one misplaced Liverpool pass in the middle third to exploit it.

Okay, so, reaction? Nope. A little more possession. Three shots, none especially threatening, one which would've been given offside had it actually mattered.

And all the while, Leicester still carried a threat, with Mignolet again to the rescue on Ndidi's effort, another chance created because Vardy's faster than Lucas even when the latter has a three-yard head start. Those earlier long throws were a warning, because in the 39th minute, another Fuchs long throw is only half-cleared by Matip then Milner, leading to Danny Drinkwater's hapax legomenon half-volley, a shot that flies over Liverpool's goal 9999 times out of a 10000.

It's good to be good. It's good to be lucky. It's best to be lucky and good. It's worst to be bad and unlucky.

Then, after the more-familiar brick wall brick wall brick wall – even after a halftime formation change to 3-5-2 – Liverpool are undone on the break. Because of course they are. Leicester interception, over the top to Vardy behind Lucas again, a too-heavy cross still finds Mahrez, who interchanges with Fuchs, ending with Fuchs' cross to Vardy, easily out-jumping Can and Lucas.

Liverpool's formation switch – to something we've never seen before this season – made that goal even more likely, with less protection on the flanks because wing-backs and with Can needing to defend an aerial duel in his own box, which he ain't good at. It seemed very much a "we're boned, let's throw something at the wall and hope it sticks." That's not encouraging.

So, an error leading to a goal. A broken, not-fully-cleared, second phase set play. And beaten on the break. I feel as if we've been here before.

Coutinho's consolation – Can's excellent driving run and one-two with Moreno before setting up the Brazilian – was no consolation. There was no further impetus. Just a plaintive cry into the abyss, as Liverpool spent the next 25 minutes or so with all the possession and no real chances aside from Schmeichel saving Origi's already-off-target shot and Schmeichel almost spilling Coutinho's effort into his own net. The deep defense camped in its own 18-yard-box. The brick wall. Again. Failure. Again.

I've harped on Liverpool's one-dimensional, misfiring attack after poor performances this season, even when most have focused on defensive failings. I've probably been wrong. This time it was the defense. It's probably been the defense all along.

19 conceded in 11 games versus the bottom 7 in the league: W6 D1 L4
Only 7 conceded in 9 games versus the top 7: W5 D4 L0

— Dan Kennett (@DanKennett) February 27, 2017

Liverpool have conceded 181 PL goals in the last 4 seasons - only 8 teams have conceded more. pic.twitter.com/JZpZUPfFwZ

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) February 27, 2017

This is very bad and not getting better, no matter who plays at center-back, full-back, or goalkeeper.

But it's also still the attack: slow to start, insipid and unthreatening during Leicester's early spell and after. If Liverpool, and more specifically, Liverpool's attack, doesn't start well and doesn't score early, Liverpool almost always don't win. That's still the touchstone, the hub of everything good about this Liverpool side, and as it goes, so often goes Liverpool.

And it's still the midfield, from the poor positioning and giveaway on Leicester's opener, to the lack of creation for the front three, to the lack of incisive forward passes, to the lack of protection for Lucas and Matip throughout. Liverpool's captain has featured in some of Liverpool's bad performances, but this still remains a very different unit without Jordan Henderson.

I can't help but steal The Liverpool Offside's line here. Everything truly is the worst.

First it was "phew, January's over." Now it's "phew, February's over." Liverpool have taken six points from seven matches from January and February. Combined. To go along with feeble exits from both the League Cup and FA Cup.

The boulder's rolling downhill and picking up pace. And I have no idea how Liverpool are going to stop it. It's completely reactionary – August through November wasn't that long ago – but I suspect we're all seemingly reaching the "burn it down, start all over" feeling in regards to this squad.

At least Liverpool's next match is against one of the league's better sides.

Liverpool at Leicester 02.27.17

3:00pm ET, live in the US on NBC Sports

Last four head-to-head:
4-1 Liverpool (h) 09.10.16
0-2 Leicester (a) 02.02.16
1-0 Liverpool (h) 12.26.15
2-2 (h) 01.01.15

Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-0 Tottenham (h); 0-2 Hull (a); 1-1 Chelsea (h)
Leicester: 1-2 Sevilla (a); 0-1 Millwall (a); 0-2 Swansea (a)

Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Mané 11; Firmino 8; Lallana 7; Milner 6; Coutinho 5; Origi 4; Can, Wijnaldum 3; Lovren, Sturridge 2; Henderson, Matip 1
Leicester: Slimani, Vardy 5; Mahrez 3; Musa 2; Amartey, Fuchs, Gray, King, Morgan, Ulloa 1

Referee: Michael Oliver

Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Clyne Matip Lucas Milner
Lallana Henderson Wijnaldum
Mané Firmino Coutinho

That was a nice little midseason vacation. Something like an international break but without the trouble of international matches. Everybody rested and recovered from the winter of our discontent? Excellent.

Well, mostly recovered. Lovren's still dealing with his lingering knee issue. Sturridge is still sick. Neither trained yesterday, both may have trained today, neither will be ready to start tomorrow. And Jordan Henderson wasn't shown in yesterday's training pictures either, but really we're ruling players out because of that now?

If Henderson's available – and I'm still guessing he is – the only lineup question is the only lineup question we've had for the last month or so: Wijnaldum or Can in midfield. And, even though Liverpool are away from home and Wijnaldum truly has been vastly better at Anfield, Wijnaldum's also in much better form. Or at least was before this two-week layoff. If, somehow, the Training Pictures Theory is correct, it'll be Wijnaldum and Can in midfield, with the German at the base and hopefully remembering that he has more defensive and positional responsibilities when playing there.

Otherwise, we know what we're getting from the XI. Lucas probably in place of Lovren, frightening at times but then he pockets Harry Kane for 80-something minutes so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Lallana, back in midfield where he belongs. And, usually most importantly, Mané, Firmino, and Coutinho up front, for just the third consecutive match since Mané returned from the African Cup of Nations. But we don't necessarily know what we'll actually get from that XI.

In theory, it's a hell of a time to be playing Leicester.

Last season's champions just dropped into the relegation zone. And are winless in the league in 2017. A 0-0 draw at Boro on January 2nd has been followed by five consecutive losses. Which have been followed by losses to Millwall in the FA Cup and Sevilla in the Champions League. Leicester's only wins in 2017 were in the FA Cup: 2-1 at Everton and 3-1 after extra time against Derby.

Oh, and they just fired the manager who led them to the league title nine months ago. Led. Leicester. To. The. Title. And now he's been sacked. What a world we live in.

You want to know why Leicester are winless in 2017? Because Leicester have not scored a league goal in 2017. 0-0 Boro, 0-3 Chelsea, 0-3 Southampton, 0-1 Burnley, 0-3 United, 0-2 Swansea.

Everyone wants to blame Kante's sale to Chelsea. And don't get me wrong, Leicester really miss him. Any team would. There's also Morgan and Huth's regression into lumbering oafs who aren't clearing everything in reach, horrific set play defending, and Leicester getting hit hard by the African Cup of Nations.

But Leicester's biggest issue is goals. They've scored 24 goals so far this campaign; only Boro and Hull have fewer. They'd scored 47 at this point in 2015-16, joint-top scorers in the league. Vardy has five goals and two assists, Mahrez has three goals and two assists. After 25 games last season, Vardy had 18 goals and five assists, Mahrez had 14 goals and nine assists.

Variance is a bitch.

So it's probably not surprising that Leicester's only injury concerns are up front. Both Slimani and Ulloa are slight doubts, but Leicester's line-up is also still not all that dissimilar from last year's. Chances are it'll be Schmeichel; Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Fuchs; Mahrez, Drinkwater, Ndidi, Gray; Okazaki, Vardy. Maybe caretaker manager Craig Shakespeare runs something more like a 4-5-1, with Albrighton coming in for Okazaki and Gray floating around centrally behind Vardy, but that seems the only other possibility.

Leicester – this winless slide not withstanding – have at least been better at home this season. Last season, the King Power stadium was a fortress, losing just once there all season. This season it's at least an almost sturdy motte and bailey. They've won five, drawn three, and lost four at home. They've won none, drawn three, and lost 10 away. It's a bit of a discrepancy.

So yes, Leicester have been very bad lately. Very. Bad. And Liverpool should be able to take advantage, especially when on 15 days rest.

But there's still the lingering issue of Liverpool against bottom sides. Liverpool against sides who pack the defense and only look to counter. Liverpool away from home against those sides. Liverpool's recent results in every single one of those types of matches, with the only decent performances in 2017 against their peers rather than their lessers.

It's not hard to see Liverpool running riot, as so many have done against Leicester in the last few months, but it's also not hard to see Liverpool running into a brick wall over and over and over before Vardy scores on a counter and/or a defensive error.

It has been a restful 15 days, and it almost seems like the start of a new season. A blank slate, with 13 games to achieve whatever's possible. That's how Liverpool need to approach this.

We go again.

Visualized: Liverpool 4-1 Leicester

Previous Match Infographics: Tottenham (a), Burnley (a), Arsenal (a)

All match data from Stats Zone and Who Scored.


It's always strange to write these when there's almost nothing to complain about. It's assuredly harder, but I suspect that's a personal problem. Obviously, it's "almost nothing" because of the preposterous goal conceded and subsequent twitchiness until halftime, but that's literally it.

Everything else – in defense, in midfield, and absolutely in attack – was great. Honest-to-goodness great. I could spend this entire piece picking out random stats and facts about every player involved.

Mignolet? A clear-cut chance saved, two vital claims, and a necessary punch in the 30 or so minutes after Leicester scored, incurring both a bloody nose and cut above his eye.

Lucas and Matip? Strong passing and a combined 18 clearances (including 15 headed clearances).

Clyne? Joint-second chances created, outstandingly pinning both Albrighton and Fuchs deep.

Milner? Riyad Mahrez created just two open-play chances and had both shots blocked.

Henderson? Just three misplaced passes all game, starting the moves for Liverpool's second and third goals, and playing a crucial pass to unlock the defense for Liverpool's second and fourth goals.

Wijnaldum? His second assist in four games, his strong link play with the two other central midfielders and Firmino, and a now mostly forgotten moment of necessary tracking back when Liverpool were a bit on tilt.

Lallana? Only Lucas and Milner had more touches of the ball, only Lucas attempted more passes (despite Lallana playing as the furthest forward of the three midfielders). Ran farther than any player in a league match this season. Oh, and that goal. Liverpool have now won nine, drawn four, and lost just once when Lallana scores (2.21 ppg).

Firmino, Mané, Sturridge? Yeah, you saw Liverpool's attack. Special mention goes to Firmino's continuing productivity (0.81 G+A per90 in the league under Klopp), Sturridge's movement and work rate, and the difference that Mané's pace makes from last season's side to this one.

But Saturday was less about individual performances and more about how each player worked within the unit: in the three distinct phases as well as the team as a whole. Which is exactly what Jürgen Klopp wants from his side.

It always helps when you put 64.7% of your shots on-target (11 of 17), which is the second-highest shot accuracy in a league match since Klopp took over. Only nine of 11 in the six-goal romp at a horrific Aston Villa last season surpasses that mark, and the 4-1 win at Manchester City was the only other match where Liverpool put better than 60% of their shots on-target.

Liverpool put just two shots off-target all match: Wijnaldum in the 37th minute and Henderson in the 79th. Combined, Firmino, Sturridge, Mané, and Lallana put 11 of 12 shots on-target, Sturridge's 30th-minute blocked shot from just outside the box the lone exception.

And while there were a fair amount of shots from outside the box – eight of Liverpool's 17 – almost everything inside the box was an excellent chance. Four of those nine in-box shots (and four of the seven in the Danger Zone) were clear-cut chances.

Liverpool had 5 clear-cut chances against Leicester - the first time they've had at least 5 at home since the 5-1 win over Arsenal in 2014.

— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) September 11, 2016

Been downgraded to four... Bloody Opta ;-) https://t.co/gREY8dYkDI

— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) September 12, 2016

Upon review, Opta took away Henderson's 79th-minute miss (and probably rightfully so), but Mané's goal, Firmino's second, and Sturridge twice brilliantly denied by Schmeichel were all big chances. It's further evidence of how thoroughly Liverpool diced Leicester open, something that rarely happened to last season's title winners. And it's even more impressive that Liverpool did it at home.

Liverpool had four or more clear-cut chances just once in the league last season: the emphatic 4-1 win at Manchester City. Liverpool's ability on the counter has often made the team more productive away from home.



Liverpool scored four or more goals away from home under Klopp four times – 4-1 City, 6-1 Southampton (LC), 5-4 Norwich, 6-0 Villa – before it happened at Anfield. Liverpool have gotten better in this regard – Liverpool have, after all, gotten better in most regards under Klopp – but goal-fests are still more likely to occur away from Anfield.

Each of Liverpool's first three goals began with Liverpool winning possession in the middle of the pitch – Sturridge tracking back to intercept, then Henderson twice picking up possession after loose clearances – then immediately going backwards, drawing Leicester a bit further out then changing the angle of attack as quickly as possible. That's incredibly important when facing a team that likes to defend compactly. Stretch them forward, then stretch them wide. Find ways to create potential gaps. Then go for the throat.

You still need Sturridge's run to create space and Firmino's touch on the first; the weight of Henderson's pass and the pace of Sturridge and Mané on the second; Sturridge's cut inside and Wijnaldum's burst into the box on the third; and outstanding strikes from all three scorers. You need Leicester's lack of a press on the first, and Leicester's frantic, slightly wayward clearances on the second and third. But the movement – backwards, sideways, and then forward, all at pace – was the base from which each came from. It's the base from which Liverpool can succeed against deep defenses, something we've discussed endlessly over the last year (and longer).

But even though all of Liverpool's goals were outstanding, featuring clever on- and off-the-ball movement from all involved, both of the crucial second and third goals needed a bit of luck, each featuring a deflection off a Leicester player from a Sturridge pass: his back-heel slightly redirected by Simpson, a throughball that might have been behind Wijnaldum slowed down by Morgan. Schmeichel got a hand to Mané's strike, but

I've said it countless times, and I'll assuredly say it again. It's best to be lucky and good.

On Saturday, Liverpool were a bit lucky – aside, obviously, from the goal conceded – and Liverpool were very, very good.

Liverpool 4-1 Leicester

Goals:
Firmino 13' 89'
Mané 31'
Vardy 38'
Lallana 56'

We've said it multiple times. If Liverpool cut out the self-inflicted stupidity, Liverpool can be very, very, very good.

Well, Liverpool still had some self-inflicted stupidity today. But Liverpool were also very, very, very good. That was comprehensive despite a solitary moment of madness. Liverpool were good enough to overcome a solitary moment of madness.

That was everything that the loss at Burnley wasn't. Sure, there are massive differences in those sides (one has won the league, after all), and Liverpool were at home rather than away, but this still could have gone similarly. Last season, Leicester did to multiple sides what Burnley did to Liverpool.

And, like Burnley, Leicester started the brighter side. Leicester immediately took the ball deep into Liverpool's end, Leicester immediately targeted the space between Lucas and Milner, two midfielders playing as defenders. But Liverpool maintained, Liverpool adequately defended a first-minute corner (and the next six), and Liverpool eventually took control. And then the goals came.

Liverpool stretched Leicester in ways they wholly failed against Burnley on both of the opening goals. Quick passes out of defense, spreading play wide, dragging defenders out of position. From Lucas to Milner to Firmino, deftly aided by Sturridge's run into the channel splitting the center-backs and pulling two defenders out of position. A touch to find space, a shot that wrong-footed Schmeichel. Sure, it helps when Leicester's front two doesn't ferociously press and Liverpool have time to complete the first two passes, but Milner's pass and Sturridge's run, and Firmino's touch, and Firmino's finish help even more.

Liverpool never hit the jaw-dropping heights at Arsenal, but Liverpool were dominant, Liverpool were attacking, and Liverpool were trying to put boots on throats. Leicester had no recourse but lumping clear out of defense – which admittedly, with Schmeichel's distribution and Vardy's pace, is a preferred tactics, but Liverpool had it adequately covered and smothered. The interchanges between attackers and the linking of play by Lallana and Wijnaldum were wondrous. Only Schmeichel's brilliant save denied Sturridge in the 26th, but Liverpool wouldn't be denied for much longer, needing just five more minutes to find the second.

More quick passes in midfield after Henderson stole possession following Schmeichel's kick to Okazaki. Liverpool poke and prod before Lucas' deft pass into the attacking lines, laid off to Henderson, over the top to Sturridge, pulling the center-back wide before a back-heel to the underlapping Mané, just enough with the chipped finish to beat the keeper. More sumptuous combination play, more incredible movement, and a deserved 2-0.

Of course, Liverpool have to keep it interesting. Liverpool won't let us watch a single game comfortably. A drinks break in the heat and then the calamity. Mignolet passes short to Lucas on a goal kick, but a poor touch triggers one of Leicester's infrequent presses. Harm, but no foul, until the baffling decision to try to pass back to Mignolet but actually passing straight to an open Vardy for the striker's first touch in the box. "Remedial" doesn't even do the error justice.

And, unsurprisingly, Liverpool went a bit on tilt after the error. Heads dropped. Fewer sharp passes, no brisk movement, no goal threat. Leicester possession, but little Leicester danger either. Liverpool still wobbles. Liverpool still bends. But Liverpool didn't break.

And Liverpool regrouped at halftime. As with the first half, Liverpool needed to defend an early set play, and did so, and then went on the attack. Sturridge denied by Schmeichel on a clear-cut chance again foreshadowed the two-goal lead, this time coming from Lallana, needing less than a minute rather than five after Sturridge's opportunity. Liverpool winning then establishing possession after Schmeichel hoofed clear, Sturridge's throughball for Wijnaldum's burst into the box, control and the eyes before laying off for Lallana, absolutely unstoppably thumped into the net.

The final 30 minutes saw Liverpool mostly in control, but not without necessary intervention. Mignolet's wonderful save on Vardy in the 61st minute, Leicester's only self-created clear-cut chance, saved everyone a lot of drama. There was also further smart keeping with multiple punches on corners, free kicks, and long throws, incurring a bloody nose and cut eyebrow in the process. Loris Karius made the bench for the first time today. I think Simon Mignolet noticed.

And, because Liverpool's attack can be very, very, very good, Liverpool eventually added a fourth on the counter: Mané in behind, around the very-far-out-of-his-box Schmeichel, then setting up Firmino's second. It should have happened sooner: Henderson ballooning a shot from 12 yards in the 79th, another excellent save from Schmeichel, this time on Mané, in the 86th. We can start being greedy when it comes to Liverpool scoring.

Two goals for Firmino. A goal and assist from Mané. An assist from Sturridge as well as crucial contributions to Liverpool's first and third. If they keep this up, I will quickly run out of superlatives for all three, both individually and as an attacking trident. It's not even mid-September and they're linking up like that. Be very, very afraid.

Liverpool have scored four or more in three of this season's five matches. Sure, one came at Burton Albion, but the other two happened against last season's second and first-place sides, teams who conceded four goals just once last season. Liverpool have scored three or more in the league eight times since the start of 2016, in 23 matches, more than any other side. Liverpool have scored 50 league goals in 2016 – an average of 2.17 per game – more than any other side.

An emphatic 4-1 win over the defending champions. That attacking tornado, that increased cohesion up front and midfield, that stifling of an attack as good as Leicester's has been despite two midfielders in the back four – the type of attack Liverpool has been prone to failing against – and that resiliency despite making a mind-boggling mistake.

That's how you open a renovated stadium. That's how you start a home campaign.