A fine performance from Leicester prevented Liverpool from establishing a potentially decisive lead in the title race, but they still extended the gap at the top to five points; Leicester stay 11th.
Liverpool started the game like a team on a mission, setting about Leicester and taking the lead on two minutes almost before the visitors had touched the ball; Sadio Mane took Roberto Firmino's clever pass, beat Demarai Gray, and snapped a low curler past Kasper Schmeichel.
Liverpool's Senegalese striker Sadio Mane celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Leicester City at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 30, 2019
Image credit: Getty Images
But gradually, Leicester inched their way into the game, and as Liverpool lost impetus, began to create some promising situations. Then, on the stroke of half-time, a carelessly-conceded, half-cleared free-kick landed on Ben Chilwell's head, and he nodded over the defensive line for Harry Maguire to turn home.
After the break, Liverpool just could not get going, and it was Leicester who created the better opportunities - though Naby Keita ought really to have won a penalty when, in dithering over a shot, he had his heel trodden on by Ricardo. Otherwise, though, Leicester's back four kept Liverpool's front three in check as they and Anfield grew increasingly nervous; expect it to stay that way for the foreseeable future.
TALKING POINT
Title races are difficult. The majority of Liverpool's players have no idea what it's like to be in a title race - well, it's like that. Every win is a fight, every moment means everything, and the teams that prevail are those with the confidence and composure to perform, or find a way. Tonight, Liverpool could not do that, and the nagging suspicion remains that, if Manchester City find some consistency, their anxiety and lack of midfield class will cost them against teams who defend properly.
Jurgen Klopp the manager of Liverpool FC reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City at Anfield on January 30, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Image credit: Getty Images
MAN OF THE MATCH
Harry Maguire (Leicester City) Defended superbly, winning headers, tackles and second balls, and scored for good measure.
Harry Maguire of Leicester City shakes hands with Adam Lallana of Liverpool FC after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City at Anfield on January 30, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Image credit: Getty Images
PLAYER RATINGS
Liverpool: Alisson 7, Henderson 7, Van Dijk 6, Matip 6, Robertson 5, Keita 4, Wijnaldum 4, Shaqiri 4, Salah 5, Firmino 6, Mane 6. Subs: Fabinho 6, Lallana 6, Sturridge 6.
Leicester City: Schmeichel 6, Ricardo 7, Evans 7, Maguire 8, Chilwell 7, Albrighton 7, Mendy 6, Ndidi 6, Maddison 6, Gray 6, Vardy 5. Subs: Choudhury 6, Okazaki 6, Okazaki 6.
KEY MOMENTS
3’ - GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Leicester City (Mane) When it goes for you it goes for you! Liverpool move it about and Robertson, out on the left, finds Firmino who cleverly rolls his studs over backheel and finds Mane ... who ducks inside Gray and bends a fine low finish into the bottom corner! Have Leicester even touched the ball yet?
25’ - WHAT A MISS! Alisson dithers and is forced to drag a clearance straight to Albrighton on the right. His cross is excellent, picking out Maddison six yards out - all he has to do is punch home, but instead he looks to cushion across the keeper to the far post and ruins everything.
46+2’ - GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Leicester City (Maguire) Well! Maddison's free-kick is half-cleared and everyone steps out - most of the attackers are offside ... but not Studius Maximus, Harry Maguire, and when Chilwell's header over the line picks him out, he tucks it away very nicely on the volley.
Premier League - Liverpool v Leicester City - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - January 30, 2019 Leicester City's Harry Maguire celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates
Image credit: Reuters
52’ - ....how did that stay out! Maddison humps to the far post and Maguire heads back to various bodies trying to force home ... Firmino gets there first, sliding in, and Alisson does brilliantly to repel a very solid effort!
57’ - Anfield loves a penalty shout! Van Dijk finds Robertson who finds Keita, and he plays off Firmino the bursts into the box. But instead of shooting, he tries to adjust his body shape, which allows Ricardo to usher him to the ground. No one in the commentary box reckons that's a penalty and neither does Peter Walton in the BT truck, but I think that was a good shout - Ricardo trod on his ankle.
KEY STAT
Liverpool have conceded in each of their last three home games after only conceding in two of their first nine.
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