In pictures: Liverpool v Leicester
Liverpool came from behind to beat Leicester City 3-1 at Anfield on Wednesday, booking their ticket to the Carabao Cup fourth round. The Reds’ unbeaten start to the season continued as Cody Gakpo’s early second-half leveller and Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning winner cancelled Kasey McAteer’s third-minute opener. Diogo Jota added a third before full-time.
Express Sport looks at four talking points as Jurgen Klopp’s side edged past Championship opposition to kickstart their Carabao Cup campaign.
Double Dutch delight
Liverpool could have a new dynamic duo after Ryan Gravenberch provided the assist for Netherlands teammate Gakpo’s equaliser.
Gakpo received the ball from Gravenberch with his back to goal and showcased commendable strength to hold off his marker before firing past Jakub Stolarczyk on the turn.
But the latter deserves just as many plaudits after making an impressive start to life on Merseyside, assisting twice in two starts against LASK Linz and Leicester.
The 21-year-old midfielder played with Gakpo for just the sixth time on Wednesday. But Klopp could have a winning formula if the pair continue to thrive off each other.
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Doak wastes opportunity
Liverpool’s support has raved about 17-year-old winger Ben Doak, who made his second start of the season against Leicester.
But the exciting starlet failed to make his opportunity count, wasting two significant chances before Klopp pulled him off on 65 minutes.
Doak hit the crossbar from four yards out in the first half before firing a good chance miles wide before the break.
His replacement, Szoboszlai, demonstrated what the hosts were missing just five minutes after taking to the pitch, sending Anfield into a frenzy with his long-range effort.
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Liverpool smell silverware
Make that 19 games unbeaten for Liverpool in all competitions, including eight to start this season. Klopp’s side have won seven on the bounce since their opening-day draw at Chelsea.
The German boss oversaw a major midfield overhaul in the summer and lost a big name in Roberto Firmino. However, Liverpool look back to their relentless best.
Mohamed Salah is firing, Darwin Nunez is finding his own, Gakpo looks a constant threat, and Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are superb options to have.
Liverpool are among the Europa League favourites for a reason and are second in the Premier League, just two points behind Manchester City.
That rivalry could be renewed as they seek a record-equalling 20th title, and no team will want to draw them in the cup competitions either.
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Klopp’s defensive dilemma
Liverpool are winning football matches. That’s all that matters. But it’s hard to ignore the fact that Klopp’s defence is leaking fairly regularly.
Leicester’s shock opener was far too easy, making it the seventh of the Reds’ eight games this term in which they have failed to keep a clean sheet.
The absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold undoubtedly contributed to the struggles, with Joe Gomez and, tonight, Curtis Jones deputising.
But Klopp will want those clean sheets to come if Liverpool are to have any chance of sustaining their winning form over the long-term.
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