Gakpo target becomes clear
The desire to move toward the Main Stand was strong as yet another chance to secure the victory for Liverpool was missed.
Cody Gakpo, who had just been signed after moving from PSV Eindhoven for an initial £37 million, was there, sitting and watching his new team for the first time.
Given the extended absences of both Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota on the left wing, the Reds acted quickly to sign the attacking Dutchman.
On his second start of the week in the position, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain once again didn’t let anyone down with a strong performance. His flick sent Darwin Nunez away to set up the winning goal.
Although Oxlade-Chamberlain has demonstrated enough to merit additional opportunities, Liverpool desperately needs more attacking danger down the left, as demonstrated by Roberto Firmino’s unfortunate injury, which has stopped Nunez from shifting wide.
In order to at least lessen the burden on Salah and Nunez to score, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping for Gakpo. Both once more had opportunities against Leicester, but a combination of unfortunate circumstances, shaky finishing, and competent goalkeeping prevented them from succeeding.
In the second half in particular, the duo caused havoc and there continue to be signs of an understanding, not least when Nunez released Salah for a gilt-edged opening with a superb throughball.
Of the last 24 goals scored by Liverpool players, 17 have been netted by either Salah or Nunez. Gakpo will be given time to adjust to the step up from the Eredivisie, but chipping in on the scoresheet as soon as possible could make a significant difference.
Thiago steps up
Thiago Alcantara’s exclusion from the Spain World Cup roster sparked questions among Liverpool supporters, and the discussion was heightened by his country’s acquiescence in defeat.
But with Thiago being one of the standout performers since the restart, the Reds have undoubtedly benefited from his respite.
Due to Fabinho’s late absence, the Spaniard took on additional responsibility in this situation and served as the impetus for Liverpool to ultimately recover from their worrying dip in the opening minutes.
In fact, the game may have been over before the comeback even got going if it weren’t for a superb chase and diving tackle from Thiago after a weak crossfield pass from Jordan Henderson sent Leicester free.
The midfielder was by far Liverpool’s finest player, fusing his signature passing with determination and occasionally impressive physicality, even though he appeared to be running out of steam at Villa Park on Monday.
As Leicester ran through the home midfield with far too much ease in the first half, Harvey Elliott was tidy but not particularly effective, and Henderson had a terrible game. Better days will come for both.
But Naby Keita made an impact with his energy and pressing from the bench in the final quarter. He’s knocking heavily on the door to start at Brentford on Monday.
Ugly game, beautiful points
Before the game, Anfield was fraught with emotion as tributes were given in light of the recent deaths of two well-known individuals.
Football fans of a certain generation are familiar with David Johnson, who played for Everton twice but found his greatest success at Liverpool, where he won numerous awards.
And during a time of raucous acclaim, the life of Pele, the greatest player in the history of the game, was also honored.
Flowers honoring the two were carried on by Jordan Henderson and Alisson Becker and placed behind the Kop goal where they stayed for the entirety of the game.
The quality of the football that followed may not have quite been of the standard Johnson and Pele had become accustomed during their trophy-laden playing careers, less beautiful game and more at times downright ugly.
But, for Liverpool, it didn’t matter. Those three points will look very attractive to Klopp and his players this morning.