Goals from Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard was enough to seal a 3-1 away victory over 10-man Leicester. The home side had to play the last half hour with 10-men after captain Wes Morgan was sent off for a professional foul on Rickie Lambert.
Here are the major talking points from the game.
Gerrard still has plenty to offer to Liverpool
The fact that he was reduced to a cameo appearance on the 16th anniversary of his Liverpool debut, even though he has been his side’s best player this season, would certainly have left a painful scar in Gerrard’s mind. But the former England International returned to the starting line up against Leicester and showed what the Reds will be missing if he does indeed bring the curtain down on his time at Liverpool.
Playing in a more advanced role, akin to the one he played when he started out at Liverpool, Gerrard showed just why he is still the most influential attacker in their line up. The Reds skipper had an impressive 90% passing accuracy playing in the middle of the park and pulling the strings along with Henderson, which had a major say in the output of the game. Gerrard also had 6 defensive actions to add to that, which includes 4 blocks in crucial areas. Although the goal was only his first in 12 games, his influence on the Reds attack was impressive, especially for someone who turns 35 at the end of this season. The skipper should’ve also had a penalty after keeper Kasper Schmeichel collided with him in the 73rd minute and all-round attacking performance was one that showed everyone, especially Brendan Rodgers that he still has plenty to offer to this team.
Foxes show plenty of guts
Going down to 10 men is never easy. And when it is your captain, your most influential defender that is sent off then you certainly have a problem on your hands. Many teams, especially those at the bottom, would’ve been happy to just give up. But Leicester didn’t do that and instead showed plenty of hunger and desire, which is something that would certainly please their manager.
Even the two goals that came were a result of defensive errors and ones that could’ve been avoided. The Foxes have started to show the grit and determination that won them the Championship last season and although it isn’t too late for them just yet, they will have to do a lot more, including scoring goals, if they are to have any chance of beating the drop this season.
Mignolet needs some time off
Sometimes, when you are having a bad run of form, some time out of the team will often do you a world of good. The lack of constant scrutiny that comes with not being in the side is something that does wonders for the confidence of players, especially goalkeepers. And it looks as though, it might be time for Rodgers to just give Simon Mignolet a break, both for his and the team’s good.
Unfortunately for the Reds, the lack of a better No.2 has so far forced the manager’s hand, but after his performance against Leicester, in which he almost gifted the home side a goal in the 20th minute, it might finally be time to take the gamble and rest the Belgian shot-stopper. When you want to play out from the back, as Rodgers demands, you need a keeper who is confident with the ball at his feet and so far this season, the Belgian has been anything but that and it would do the team no harm at all to have him out of the side until he regains his confidence and composure.
Stats courtesy of squawka