Trent Alexander-Arnold marked his return from injury with a potentially season-defining strike on Sunday, scoring a late winner to give Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Leicester City and edge the Reds within touching distance of the Premier League title.
Coming off the bench in the 70th minute, Alexander-Arnold struck just five minutes later, driving the ball past Mads Hermansen in the 76th minute after a chaotic goalmouth scramble. His decisive goal not only pushed Liverpool within one win of securing the title but also confirmed Leicester’s relegation from the top flight.
Liverpool will officially clinch the championship if Arsenal lose to Crystal Palace on Wednesday. If not, Arne Slot’s side will have the opportunity to seal the title themselves when Tottenham visit Anfield next Sunday.
Leicester, under Ruud van Nistelrooy, are winless at home since December, with nine consecutive defeats at the King Power Stadium contributing to their fall from the Premier League. The Foxes also remain goalless at home over that same span.
Despite a blistering start in the opening minutes — including a moment when Mohamed Salah hit both posts — Liverpool struggled to break down a resilient Leicester side. Wilfred Ndidi came closest to scoring for the hosts in the first half, rattling the post with a low shot, while Ibrahima Konaté’s header was cleared off the line by Ndidi.
Slot’s men picked up the pace after halftime. Kostas Tsimikas fired straight at Hermansen, while Leicester briefly thought they had found a goal through Conor Coady, but it was ruled out for a foul by Patson Daka on goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Then came Alexander-Arnold’s moment. Returning after a five-week absence due to an ankle injury, the 25-year-old pounced on a loose ball after Salah and Diogo Jota both hit the woodwork from point-blank range. His low drive slipped through Hermansen’s grasp, sparking wild celebrations as he ripped off his shirt in front of the traveling Liverpool supporters.
Though his future at Liverpool remains uncertain — with reports suggesting he has agreed to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer — Alexander-Arnold refused to comment post-match.
Unlike Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who recently signed contract extensions, the England international has yet to commit his future to the club. If this was indeed his final Premier League goal for Liverpool, it may prove to be one of the most important of his career.
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