If he is off to Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool with a priceless parting gift: victory and a magical memory.
His thunderous left-footed strike settled a tight game here and took Liverpool even closer to the Premier League title.
Alexander-Arnold scored the match-winning goal just five minutes after coming onAFP That could be his final goal for Liverpool with a move to Real Madrid loomingGettyIt also showed what Liverpool will be missing if, as expected, Alexander-Arnold leaves for Real Madrid.
His goal was all about timing, power and confidence in technique. Few in world football hit the ball as hard and true as Alexander-Arnold – and this was with his ‘weaker’ left foot.
No can question his prowess or his commitment even during what seems his farewell.
“Let the headlines be his great goal and not about his contract,” Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, said. “It would be ridiculous if someone argues (about) his commitment to the club.
“The work-rate he put in to be back for today (after injury) and make such an important goal – and all the work he has done for this club in all these years he is here – nobody should argue, in my opinion, his commitment to this club.”
The clock showed 71 minutes when Alexander-Arnold came on with 19 minutes left for Conor Bradley.
He lurked just outside Leicester’s area, left of centre, when Kostas Tsimikas made contact with a corner on 75min and 7 seconds.
What happened in the next ten seconds will never be forgotten by Liverpool fans as they celebrate this title, and also Alexander-Arnold’s impact on their lives.
Tsimikas’ inswinging corner from the right was headed up in the air by Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah hit a post, Diogo Jota struck the bar before Facundo Buonanotte and Boubakary Soumare tried to clear.
As chaos reigned, and the ball bounced around, Alexander-Arnold moved into position. After the pinball, came the wizard.
Alexander-Arnold draped his Liverpool shirt on the corner flag after scoring, a farewell from him?GettyAs Soumare’s clearance fell his way, Alexander-Arnold checked his stride momentarily to ensure he made optimum contact.
He’d never before scored a senior goal with his left. But this was a special occasion, and there was no time to move the ball on to his right.
He trusted his technique, and caught the ball powerfully, sending it flying goalwards, too fast and furious for Mads Hermansen. The clock showed 75min 17sec.
Liverpool fans have been joyous witness to many iconic goals and celebrations down the decades.
Sir Kenny Dalglish marking his goal settling the 1986 title at the Bridge with arms aloft and the widest of smiles. Steven Gerrard striking a vital goal late against Olympiakos in 2004 and leaping into the Kop. Robbie Keane’s cartwheel and forward roll after scoring against Arsenal in 2008.
And here came Alexander-Arnold ripping his shirt off, sliding on his knees and hanging his top on the corner flag in front of the jubilant travelling fans.
Liverpool head coach Slot refused to be drawn into talk about Alexander-Arnold’s future after the matchAFPSome have questioned his handling of what looks his inevitable move to Real Madrid. But there was an emotional response to him, real loud acclaim.
He’s the ‘Scouser in the team’, they sang. He cares about the club, his club, but when Real Madrid come calling it is hard to turn down the siren call from Castille.
How Liverpool have missed their No.66, during his injury, and surely will miss him. Bradley is a good defender but lacks Alexander-Arnold’s game-changing passing range.
During Alexander-Arnold’s spell out injured, Liverpool lost in the Carabao Cup final to Newcastle United and in the Premier League to Fulham.
He should leave as a champion. Depending on how Arsenal fare against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, Liverpool can seal their 20th title, equalling Manchester United’s record, against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
It will be interesting to see the strength of Spurs’ starting XI given they play Bodo/Glimt in the home leg of the Europa League semi-final four days later.
Palace’s midweek team-sheet will also be scrutinised as they have an FA Cup semi-final three days later against Aston Villa.
Liverpool would surely rather win the league in front of the Kop.
Until Alexander-Arnold’s intervention, Liverpool were frustrated by Leicester. Fans flew a protest plane trailing a banner criticising the owners, King Power, and the board.
But there could be no criticism of the team here. There was no absence of fight. In fact, the only question was where had this determination been this season?
Leicester went down but finally fighting. Stephy Mavididi caused Bradley problems. Wilfred Ndidi struck a post. Luke Thomas stuck tight to Salah, who when he did find space for a shot was denied by both posts and then Hermansen.
Conor Coady, once a Liverpool player, headed past Alisson, but it was ruled out for Patson Daka’s challenge on the keeper.
Leicester did a good job of stifling Liverpool but Sunday’s performance was at odds with their performance all seasonGetty Leicester have made an immediate return to the ChampionshipGettyAlexander-Arnold then struck, confirming Leicester’s 16th defeat in 20 games under Ruud van Nistelrooy.
He will have talks with the club next week about whether he is to keep his job.
Van Nistelrooy can take pride from this performance, and last week’s draw at Brighton and Hove Albion, but too few others.
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