Diogo Jota Double Keeps Liverpool’s Title Hopes Alive
Liverpool kept its Premier League title hopes alive as Diogo Jota’s double secured a vital 2-0 victory against Leicester City at Anfield.
The hosts were without Sadio Mane following his late return from the Africa Cup of Nations, while Mohamed Salah, was named on the bench following Egypt’s defeat to Senegal in Sunday’s final. Liverpool also gave new signing Luis Diaz his debut as they looked to keep track of league leaders Manchester City.
Leicester almost took the lead when James Maddison’s angled effort was superbly saved by goalkeeper Alisson after the Leicester man had exchanged passes with Ademola Lookman. However, Jota opened the scoring when he fired home a rebound from a Virgil Van Dijk effort from a set-piece.
Pouncing to put us ahead 🇵🇹
Brilliant, @DiogoJota18 😎 pic.twitter.com/3MkKVKa3Da
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 11, 2022
Liverpool were in control after the goal and looked to extend its lead. Diaz’s speed and directness caused Leicester problems on the right wing. The pressure on the visitors increased after Salah’s introduction for Roberto Firmino on the hour mark.
The Egyptian was bravely denied by goalkeeper Schmeichel after turning away from two Leicester players in the box, and the goalkeeper then pulled off an even better save when he raced through on goal after latching onto a pass by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
After Liverpool missed several chances, Jota then scored his second with a powerful shot, giving Liverpool the two-goal cushion their dominant performance deserved.
A clever Matip assist and a typically clinical @DiogoJota18 finish 💥
Wrapping up all three points in #LIVLEI 👌 pic.twitter.com/jYZEFgp0Q7
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 11, 2022
The win put Liverpool back within nine points of leaders Manchester City with a game in hand.
“With the first goal, when you are in a goalscoring moment, then you are there,” Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp said about the in-form Diogo Jota.
“That’s exactly what’s happening for Diogo at the moment. I’m really happy for him and it’s really helpful for us,” Klopp added.
Liverpool will visit Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday, while Leicester City host West Ham on Sunday.
Premier League results
Liverpool 2-0 Leicester City
Wolves 0-1 Arsenal
Chidi Nwoke/Premier League.
