It had to be him.
Just when Liverpool seemed in danger of blowing the chance to have a Premier League title party at Anfield next Sunday, Trent Alexander-Arnold — the player on the verge of joining Real Madrid this summer — stepped up to break Leicester’s resistance.
His goal sealed a 1-0 win and ensured that Liverpool could be crowned champions next week, either if Arsenal lose to Crystal Palace on Wednesday or if Arne Slot’s team defeat Tottenham four days later.
We analyse how Liverpool took another big step towards their 20th top-flight crown.
Alexander-Arnold’s (final?) big moment
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s wild celebration told a story of its own as he added a touch of class when Liverpool needed it the most.
He was introduced on 71 minutes to give Arne Slot’s misfiring side a boost in the closing stages of the game and came on to generous applause from Liverpool’s away contingent, despite the widespread expectation that he moves to Spain on a free transfer at the end of the season.
It took him just five minutes to make an impact, firing a shot towards goal and past Mads Hermansen to give his team the lead. Remarkably, it was the first left-footed goal of his career for club or country.
It was what happened next that was most telling, though. After scoring, Alexander-Arnold ripped off his shirt and ran to the away end to celebrate. He stood in front of the delirious supporters with his arms stretched out as his team-mates piled in to join the fun.
For someone who is likely to have just a few weeks left as a Liverpool player, this was a big moment and ensured he has left a lasting impression on Liverpool’s historic title win.
Fans prepare to party
The champagne might be on ice, but Liverpool’s fans were determined to warm up for what could be a Premier League title party next Sunday.
Despite Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Ipswich earlier in the day snuffing out any chance of top spot being clinched at the King Power Stadium, and Liverpool being far from their best for long spells, the away supporters belted out song after song from their playlist.
These weeks should be the most cherished of the season, where everything the team has been working towards is finally wrapped up, and there was no sense of deflation in the East Midlands. Instead, the chorus of “We’re going to win the league” — first aired by Liverpool fans in the win at Manchester City in February — was a constant refrain.
There was some gentle mocking of Leicester City’s relegation plight, met with sarcastic cheers from the home fans, but for the most part this was a day for the travelling throng to celebrate their own and Alexander-Arnold’s breakthrough goal prompted wild celebrations.
They know the title is within reach and the scenes next week are set to be special. Winning the league at Anfield is the way it should be, anyway.
Bradley’s mixed bag
Conor Bradley had a mixed afternoon after he got the nod ahead of Alexander-Arnold at right-back.
In the first half, Stephy Mavididi caused the 21-year-old a number of problems with his quick feet and darting runs down Leicester’s left side and it was only when Ryan Gravenberch started to offer more protection that the threat from Mavididi began to fade.
The Northern Ireland captain also finished with the second-lowest passing accuracy (78.9 per cent) among Liverpool players (behind Salah, with 77 per cent) but that should not take anything away from his attacking output.
When given the opportunity to get forward, Bradley caused problems in dangerous areas as he joined in with the attacks. He showed silky skills under pressure and supported Salah in what was another glimpse at Liverpool’s future.
With Alexander-Arnold expected to move on this summer, Slot is looking carefully at Bradley to see if he can handle the big moments as this season draws to a close.
Since returning from a hamstring injury, he’s started two of the past three games and will be given more opportunities in the final weeks of the campaign. Tightening up in defence will now be his biggest challenge as he looks to find the balance in his game.
What did Slot say?
Liverpool’s head coach heaped praise on Alexander-Arnold but declined to offer any insights on his contract situation.
“He’s incredible, if he sets his mind to it,” he told Sky Sports. “If you play for such a long time for a club there are always moments, but when these moments matter most, he knows how to step up and that’s something only top, top players have.
“My only good answer is to talk about his goal — all the attention should be on that, the importance of it and what he has done for this club.”
Slot said his team’s “mentality” was the secret behind them fashioning yet another narrow win despite an occasionally disjointed performance.
“They keep going, they are mentally really strong and they enjoy playing football, trying to create, work very hard not to concede,” he added. “And it always helps if you play for something special.”
What next for Liverpool?
Sunday, April 27: Tottenham (Home), Premier League, 4.30pm UK, 11.30am ET
(Top photo: Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates his goal; Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
