Trent’s Emotional Winner Keeps Liverpool on Title Track as Leicester Goes Down

What perfect timing for the defender to recover. And as for Leicester — it’s official: they're relegated.

Liverpool could’ve clinched the Premier League title this round, but it didn’t happen. Arsenal had already wrapped up their match earlier, defeating Ipswich, so even a win by Slot’s team couldn’t secure the trophy just yet.

In just the third minute, Salah experienced something likely unprecedented in his career. After his shot, the ball hit one post, rolled across the goal line, struck the opposite post, and bounced back into play. It was one of those moments where mere millimeters made all the difference. Amusingly, Leicester immediately responded with an attack of their own, and Ndidi hit the post as well — though just one this time.

The first-half shot count: 14–2 in favor of Liverpool. That stat alone tells you everything about the visitors’ dominance. Salah had the best chances, but the Premier League’s top scorer just couldn’t find the net this time — even from a few meters out.

After the break, Liverpool’s control didn’t waver, but the goal still wouldn’t come. Díaz (playing centrally this time) missed a clear chance from Bradley’s low cross. The ball was airborne, and he had to strike it on the move. Later, Tsimikas had an even better opportunity and hit the target, but Leicester’s keeper came to the rescue.

In the 71st minute, Slot made a change at right-back. Bradley had actually looked better in the second half (after losing the ball three times early on), but he was replaced by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had been sidelined with injury for over a month. During that time, rumors about his move to Real Madrid became all but confirmed. So his return was met with a few boos. And yet, it was Trent who scored the only goal of the match.

Liverpool launched a powerful attack that saw the ball hit both the post and the crossbar. When it finally fell to the defender, he struck it cleanly into the net. His celebration was deeply emotional — fitting, as the away section of Liverpool fans was right behind that goal. Trent ripped off his shirt and slid on his knees. In the heat of the moment, Tsimikas even grabbed his teammate by the jaw during the celebration. After a goal like that, it might be hard to keep booing Trent.

Leicester became the second club to be officially relegated from the Premier League this season. Two weeks ago, Southampton were the first, setting a negative record by dropping to the Championship earlier than any team in PL history (after just 31 rounds). Ipswich looks set to follow next round. That means, for the second season in a row, the three teams promoted from the Championship are heading straight back down.

As for Liverpool — just one more match to go for the title. Next Sunday, they’ll host Tottenham. Though if Arsenal slip up against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, the trophy could be Liverpool’s even before that final match.

Published by Patrick Jane
20.04.2025