Fortress Anfield

Liverpool Vs Leicester

Anfield

FT: 3-0

Goals: Evans 21′ (OG), Jota 41′, Firmino 86′

22nd of November 2020

The Anfield run continues, as Jurgen Klopp’s side continues to make history, as they broke yet more records in their 3-0 home victory against Leicester last night.

The Reds produced an authoritative performance against the Foxes, with fine headed finishes from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino added to a Jonny Evans’ first-half own goal, as the champions overpowered Brendan Rodger’s team at Anfield.

Looking back at the game, here are my six talking points from a very satisfying evening for the Reds.

Records Broken Again

This Liverpool team have made making history feel almost routine- and they broke yet another record last night!

They surpassed the club’s all-conquering vintage of the late 1970s and early 80s.

The current side’s unbeaten home run in the top flight now stands at a staggering 64 matches; one more than the sequence put together by Bob Paisley’s trophy-winning side between 1978 and 1981.

Truly Phenomenal!

Jota makes history

An incredible header from Diogo Jota put Liverpool two goals to the good; and moved the Portuguese forward into some unchartered territory too.

The 23- year-old sits alone as the only player in history to score in each of his first four top-flight appearances at Anfield.

Only four others- Tommy Robertson, Peter Cormack, Kenny Dalglish, and Luis Gracia- had managed to do so in their opening three, and his eighth goal for the Reds also served to show his excellent individual record so far.

The ex-Wolves player loves scoring against Leicester; he has netted four goals in five Premier League fixtures against the Foxes. His best tally versus any opponent in the competition.

Wijnaldum wins again

Statistically, the fact that Georgino Wijnaldum’s 200th appearance for Liverpool was a success should not come as a surprise to many Reds fans.

No player in the club’s history has won more of their first 200th games than his total of 133, with the Dutchman having topped several iconic names on Sunday evening.

Liverpool legend Alan Kennedy ( 131 wins) is now second on that particular list, followed by Gary Gillespie ( 126), Steve McMahon ( 123), and Ian Rush (122)

‘A proper, proper unit”

Sunday’s clean sheet was Liverpool’s fourth in their last seven games in all competitions.

Even in ordinary circumstances, that would represent an impressive defensive display, but such a record is made even more notable, given the injuries, Liverpool has sustained in defence so far this season; the casualty list is endless!

Klopp stated, during his pre-Leicester press conference, “We are a unit- a proper, proper unit- and the more problems we have, the close we stick together.” It was always like this and will always be like this at the club.”

And last night’s performance really reflected Klopp’s sentiments! Liverpool played like a proper unit; it was a real statement performance!

My MOTM, Firmino!

The 29-year-old produced an outstanding display last night; his work rate was incredible, which was finally rewarded with a quite brilliant header late on.

The Brazilian made himself Liverpool’s most prolific player versus Leicester in the Premier League era.

The goal was Firmino’s sixth against the Foxes- one more than Liverpool’s old no 9, Robbie Fowler

It was telling that his celebratory joy was shared by all of his teammates, who recognised that his efforts throughout the 90 minutes certainly merited his name on the scoresheet.

It has been a tough time for the Brazilian of late; who forms recently has significantly dropped and his place in the team being questioned since Jota’s arrival.

Last night, will give him much-needed confidence going forward this season!

James Milner, in his post-match interview, seems to echo my thoughts by stating ” It was just one of those nights when I thought he was outstanding and he just couldn’t get his goal.” So delights he got it, thoroughly deserved. I thought he was brilliant. “

Couldn’t put it better myself Milner!

Liverpool’s Tribute To Ray Clemence

I wanted to end my match report; with my final talking point being on Liverpool’s own tribute to Reds legend Ray Clemence.

Last week, I wrote my own tribute to Clemence, who sadly passed away at the age of 72.

It was so touching to see Liverpool’s senior goalkeeping department pay their own respects before yesterday’s game.

A wreath was laid at the Kop end, simply saying ” You’ll never walk alone Ray.” And just before kick-off, a minute of silence was observed.

Alisson also wore a replica of the jersey Clemence used during the 1981 European Cup final when Liverpool defeated Spanish giants Real Madrid 1-0 in Paris.

A beautiful tribute to a Liverpool giant!

He would have no doubt approved of Liverpool’s record-breaking performance!

So my final thoughts on the game; Liverpool were in a different class, taking charge early on and refusing to let go, by the end of the night tied with Tottenham on points at the top of the table.

An outstanding display!

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