Jurgen Klopp took the decision to train his side at the new and improved Anfield earlier in the week so that his players would not be unfamiliar to their new surroundings and it did the trick as Liverpool ran riot over Leicester City.
History has proven that Anfield is a place where anything can happen, especially when the crowd is in the right mood, and on Saturday the fanbase -- including an extra 8,500 supporters packed in as a result of the redevelopment of the Main Stand-- was alive and roaring prior to kickoff and in the opening exchanges.
It got even louder when Roberto Firmino put Liverpool ahead in the 13th minute. Makeshift left-back James Milner played a through ball into the space down the middle, which Daniel Sturridge opened up into the path of Firmino who calmly slotted home.
The goal settled the home side and they continued to assert their dominance. It was 2-0 with 32 minutes on the clock as Sadio Mane tapped in to round off an exquisite move.
But in an instant Leicester were given a lifeline out of nowhere as Lucas Leiva -- deputising at centre-back for the injured Dejan Lovren -- gifted possession to Jamie Vardy inside the penalty area, who pounced on the opportunity to draw one back moments before half-time.
That goal did not affect Liverpool, though. Klopp's side returned from the interval with the same buoyancy and intensity.
Adam Lallana's week got even better following his first goal for country on Sunday, as he restored Liverpool's two-goal advantage with a rocket into the top corner.
Anfield did grow tense as the visitors searched for a way back into the game and committed men upfield, but Firmino added another goal late on by footing into an empty net to ensure that no party in front of the club's owners was to be spoilt on this day.
Comments