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Leicester 0 – 3 Liverpool – PL Man of the Match

Curtis Jones

This award could have easily landed (once again) at Trent Alexander Arnold’s feet, yet the impact and brilliance of two first half strikes, allowed this game to be taken away from the home side.

Curtis Jones is the young Liverpudlian, who is quickly becoming the breakout player within a torrid overall season. He has become literally indispensable in the last couple of months, with an infectious desire to force his way into Jürgen Klopp’s thinking. That left central midfield position has often been about control and coverage, yet the 22-year-old is now making the adjusted role more about incision and supporting the attack. This game is perhaps the biggest mark on his end of season run.

The first half was often tense and frenetic, as the visitors seemed urgent to get on the scoresheet. With the previously faint hope of Champions League qualification becoming more visible, Jones has certainly helped in building the reds recent momentum. His impact and ability are undeniable, which should now see the whole support behind this man, who has spent far too long on the outside.

It took 33-minutes for the reds to break the deadlock, as the nerves of the away fans was clearly starting to build. With a few moments of exuberance in the half hour, it was a direct and bursting run into the box which was brilliantly found by our Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah. Though the finish was made to look simple, the sheer timing and skill involved in the first-time strike was incredible. With the Leicester keeper left standing, Curtis was able to find the far bottom corner with a crisp contact. The pace and timing to make the half volley so perfect was a joy to watch.

It took just three minutes for the Premier League’s 5th placed team to double their lead, with the home side in all sorts of defensive disarray. A quick piece of play (around the Leicester penalty area) resulted in Mohamed Salah drilling the ball into the feet of our number 17. With a wonderful touch and turn, the former academy & under-21 skipper found the far corner with a beautifully instinctive strike. Much of his natural game seemed to have been reigned in, as our German manager sometimes prefers regimented play from certain positions. This new system of play, however, is gifting certain individuals more freedom to express themselves, with our two-goal first half hero making a huge statement in that first half.

The second half became about territorial control from Liverpool, with a want to take their moments and stay firm. Our first half scorer continued to work tirelessly off the ball, as Leicester came slightly back into the second half a little more.

With a wonder strike taking the score to 0-3, it once again showed just what a transformative midfielder our number 66 can become. In terms of the man of the match, it was a case of one man making the break through, whilst doing so in sensational fashion.

Many will have Trent as the man of the match, yet I feel Curtis Jones deserves the award for his outstanding impact on the games result.

Pre-match Prediction;

Leicester 1 – 3 Liverpool

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