Liverpool vs. Leicester City: Score and Reaction from 2016 Premier League Match

Liverpool sealed their second win of the 2016-17 Premier League campaign on Saturday after beating reigning champions Leicester City 4-1 thanks to goals from Roberto Firmino (two), Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana. 

Lucas Leiva started at centre-back in place of the injured Dejan Lovren, and the Brazilian was responsible for a defensive howler that gifted Leicester’s Jamie Vardy his second goal in as many games.

Manager Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester side remained defiant until the end in what was a back-and-forth clash, but the defeat at Anfield means the Midlands outfit have still won just one of their four games this season.

Saturday’s result was a major boon for the Reds, but Russian football writer Artur Petrosyan pointed out the poisoned chalice of their system thus far:

Only Man City have scored more goals (11) than Liverpool (9) in four games.Only Stoke, West Ham and Watford have conceded more though.

— Artur Petrosyan (@arturpetrosyan) September 10, 2016

Both teams came into Saturday’s clash with four points from their first three games of the season, and it was Liverpool who took a backseat in possession during the early exchanges.

However, the Reds struck first. Goal’s Melissa Reddy highlighted the contribution from James Milner, who was again playing at left-back, as Firmino cut through Leicester’s core to slot home the opener:

James Milner with the fine pass, Roberto Firmino with the intelligent finish after a period of possession and authority from #LFC

— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) September 10, 2016

Liverpool built in confidence following that initial incision, but manager Jurgen Klopp could hardly breathe easily until his men extended the cushion.

Thankfully for him, the Merseysiders took it upon themselves to step things up a notch on the half-hour mark, with Mane getting on the end of a passing movement that took them from one end of the pitch to the other in no time.

The chance looked as though it had evaded the hosts, only for Daniel Sturridge to back-heel a beautiful pass into Mane’s feet. Foxes No. 1 Kasper Schmeichel couldn’t keep the close-range effort out.

Blogger Liam Canning noted just how essential Sturridge was in the manoeuvre, but Mane grabbed the bulk of the headlines following the best attack of the match:

Sadio Mané’s going to be some player under Klopp. Already showing signs of what he can achieve – just needs to add consistency.

— Liam Canning …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com