Liverpool have guaranteed qualification into next season’s Europa League as they breezed past Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
A double from Curtis Jones and a fine Trent Alexander-Arnold free-kick earned the Reds a 3-0 victory - and moved them within one point of the Premier League top four.
The first half started at a frantic pace as Leicester looked to pressure Liverpool into errors. But the Reds stood firm and soon took control of the game.
In the 33rd minute, the visitors engineered broke the deadlock through a well-worked goal. Mo Salah spotted the run of Jones at the back post and he found the far corner with a calm first-time finish.
And just three minutes later, Liverpool had their second - through Jones again. This time it was Cody Gakpo who picked out the Reds academy graduate in acres of space and he nonchalantly finished beyond Foxes keeper Daniel Iversen.
Straight from kick-off, Klopp’s men could have had a third only for Gakpo to be denied by Iversen.
Reds stopper Alisson Becker was called into action in the second period when he made a fine stop to deny a Harvey Barnes effort. Liverpool then took control but had to wait until the 71st minute to add a third when Alexander-Arnold curled home a sumptuous short free-kick.
The Reds should have increased their lead when Mo Salah fired wide after being sent through one-vs-one with Iversen. But it was a competent night’s work for Klopp’s men as they picked up a seventh successive victory and will finish at least sixth in the table with two matches remaining. But importantly, they have kept up their slim hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Here’s how we rated the Liverpool players.
9. Curtis Jones - 8
Took his two goals superbly but his overall display in the opening 45 minutes was imperious. Won the ball back several times and caused Leicester issues in possession. Oozed confidence in the second half and no-one could blame him for going for his hat-trick with a shot while crossing might have been the better option. Subbed in the 85th minute. | Getty Images
10. Mo Salah - 6
Showed great vision to set-up Jones’ opener. Had one effort saved in the second half then missed a golden chance when he fired wide after being set free on goal. Subbed in the 88th minute. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
11. Cody Gakpo - 6
Caused Leicester problems with his movement in the first half and grabbed an assist - but should have netted a third for Liverpool. Kept the Reds ticking after the break and set Salah free for his golden chance that was spurned. | Getty Images
12. Luis Diaz - 5
Not quite himself in the first half as he gave away a couple of fouls and made the wrong decision to lash a shot wide rather than try to pick out a man. But did win the loose ball that led to the opener. Probably lucky to escape a booking in the second half for a foul on Maddison and things didn’t quite go for him. A surprise off-day and subbed in the 74th minute. | Getty Images