Amid dense fog in Liverpool and the backdrop of Boxing Day festivities, the Premier League leaders extended their advantage by coming from behind to defeat Leicester City 3-1. Despite having played one game fewer, Liverpool holds a seven-point lead over Chelsea and a 14-point cushion over Manchester City.

Mo Salah Scores to Seal 3-1 Victory

Curtis Jones! 

Cody Gakpo equalized!

The opening goal by Jordan Ayew

Arne Slot’s squad closed the Boxing Day action with a hard-fought victory over Leicester City. The Foxes took just six minutes to strike first through Jordan Ayew, but they eventually succumbed to the relentless pressure of Europe’s best team.

The Reds struggled to shake off the early shock, as Ayew weaved past Andy Robertson in the box and unleashed a spinning shot that deflected off Virgil van Dijk, leaving Alisson helpless.

It was a surprising start for Anfield, especially after Liverpool’s nine-game home winning streak was snapped by Fulham in their previous outing. Fears of a similar slip-up grew against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side.

Leicester, clear relegation candidates, had luck on their side early on, as Liverpool struck the woodwork three times. Mohamed Salah hit the post twice, and Andy Robertson’s header also ricocheted off the bar. However, deep into first-half stoppage time, Cody Gakpo curled a stunning strike into the top corner to lay the foundation for Liverpool’s comeback.

The Dutchman’s spectacular goal, his 11th of the season, brought relief to Slot’s men, who entered halftime knowing the second half would decide the fate of a Leicester side that seemed content to protect Ayew’s opening goal.

Liverpool wasted no time in the second half. Just five minutes in, Curtis Jones converted a brilliant team move initiated by Salah and set up by a low cross from Alexis Mac Allister. Jones’ first-time finish was briefly reviewed by VAR for a potential offside but was ultimately upheld, allowing Liverpool to breathe easier.

Chances continued to flow, and although Gakpo’s would-be second goal was ruled out due to an offside call on Darwin Núñez, nothing could stop Salah from finding the back of the net for the third goal. The Egyptian, scoring his 16th Premier League goal of the season, danced past two defenders and curled a pinpoint shot into the far corner. He celebrated with arms outstretched as Anfield erupted in song.

Salah’s dominance is undeniable. With one game fewer than most of the league, he has contributed to 16 goals and 11 assists, making him both the top scorer and the leading playmaker this season. Calls for Liverpool’s board to offer him a new contract are growing louder.

As a team, Liverpool’s 42 points from 16 matches put them seven points ahead of Chelsea and eight clear of Nottingham Forest. Arsenal could reduce the gap to six points if they beat Ipswich Town on Friday, positioning Mikel Arteta’s side as Liverpool’s closest challenger.