The Premier League Christmas schedule served up a raft of Boxing Day matches, with table toppers Liverpool welcoming Leicester City to Anfield on the final day of fixtures.
A great second half display see us extend our lead at the top of the table to seven points (with a game in hand).
Merry Christmas, Reds 😁 🔴 pic.twitter.com/xL7hBnFrnN
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) December 26, 2024
The lineup and subsequent ratings are listed below.
Alisson Becker – 7.0
The world-class Brazilian was let down for the only goal of the half, as his defence failed to either stop the cross or deal with the delivery.
After the restart, the former Roma man was alert to any dangers and recycled the ball whenever he was called upon.
Trent Alexander Arnold – 7.0
The England superstar started with purpose, however, much of his play was too repetitive and his corners were not good enough for the volume at which they were coming.
In the second half, the vice-captain was more measured on the ball and maintained far better defensive positioning to limit any counterattacks.
Andy Robertson – 7.0
The Scotland international skipper was too keen to launch crosses into the box, however, his delivery was only as good as his vice-captain. Nearly headed home with a crisp effort that hit the post.
After the halftime break, the 30-year-old was more selective with his service as he looked to make the better decision rather than simply firing in endless crosses.
Subbed – 86 mins
Joe Gomez – 8.0
The England international defender was a little haphazard for the goal, though did little else wrong in a steady first half.
Following the intermission the former Charlton man was solid and dependable in his work, as he and his skipper marshalled the backline with confidence.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.0
The captain and leader of this team were too tentative for the Leicester goal as he miscalculated his clearance chance. The first half was largely routine apart from that surprise moment.
In the second period of the game, the former Celtic man was commanding and pushed his teammates on to win the game.
Ryan Gravenberch – 7.0
The Dutch midfielder was keen to cover ground and ensure recycling of play, as he stayed combative through a frustrating first half.
After the break, the former Ajax prodigy was steady and disciplined in his work, as others pushed on to grab vital goals.
Subbed 86 mins
Curtis Jones – 7.0
The former England under-21 captain was a little wasteful at times as his indecision on the ball led to failed opportunities to create attacks in a poor first half.
In the second 45 minutes, the former academy graduate was the man who provided the second goal as he struck from close range to relieve the pressure growing within Anfield.
Subbed – 77 mins
Alexis Mac Allister – 8.0
The Argentina World Cup World Cup winner assisted the goal and was the pick of the Liverpool midfielders in the first half.
In the second half of this game, the former Brighton man was again the man who provided a critical assist, as he delivered the pass that sent the Reds into a 2-1 lead. A strong and combative display, that became superb with a pair of assists.
Subbed – 90+1
Man of the Match
Darwin Núñez – 5.0
The Uruguayan attacker started as the central striker and his effort was okay, yet his final decision or attempts at goal were poor in that first half.
After the restart, the former Porto man was more direct with his running and had a good shot saved at close range.
Subbed – 77 mins
Cody Gakpo – 8.0
The Dutch forward started on the left of an attacking front three with a drive and desire to attack. His goal was sublime and his efforts were rewarded as he was the best player in red through the first half.
After the halftime break, the former PSV man was incisive on the ball and provided a fine assist to his record-breaking teammate, Mohamed Salah. A very good performance and matched Mac Allister in the hunt for the man of the match plaudits.
Mohamed Salah – 7.0
The Egyptian King was shackled and well-marked in the first half, as one effort onto the bar aside, his opening 45 minutes were a mirror image of the team’s overall frustration.
After the intermission, the record-breaking goalscorer was allowed more freedom and looked to provide opportunities for his teammates. His goal was poetry in motion and in keeping with his Boxing Day goal-scoring record, as he guided a beautiful curling effort inside the far post.
🇳🇱 Cody Gakpo has 10 goal contributions in his last 12 matches for #LFC.
In that period he is averaging a goal or assist every 67 minutes.
He’s in incredible form at the moment. pic.twitter.com/0SNqfdVM62
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) December 26, 2024
Substitutions;
Dominik Szoboszlai – 6.0 (on 77)
Came on to add drive.
Diogo Jota – 6.0 (on 77)
Came on to add more offensive energy.
Wataru Endō – 5.0 (on 86)
Came on to add a shield.
Kostas Tsimikas – 5.0 (on 86)
Came on to add defensive energy.
Harvey Elliott – N/A (on 90+1)
Came on.
The Manager;
Arne Slot – 8.0
The Dutch manager was keen to rest key assets that ran themselves hard against Spurs, with one eye on the upcoming trip to West Ham.
All the substitutions were well-timed and allowed rest periods for key players.
Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 4 – 0 Leicester
