Liverpool 3-0 Leicester City: 5 Talking Points as Jurgen Klopp's side makes massive statement with convincing victory | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Joel Matip and Fabinho step up admirably in the absence of Liverpool stalwart Van Dijk

Liverpool need a reliable defence

Liverpool's defensive woes this season have been well-documented. The Reds have struggled to keep clean sheets this season and this performance against Leicester City will give the Reds a massive boost of confidence ahead of a difficult schedule.

With first-choice centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out of contention with long-term injuries, the onus today was on Joel Matip and Fabinho to maintain Liverpool's defensive lines. Leicester City struggled to move into Liverpool's penalty area and were largely thwarted by the new-look defensive duo.

Matip and Fabinho also brought their distinct ball-playing ability to the fore and played several long balls to Liverpool's enigmatic wide players. The two defenders are Liverpool's best defensive bets at the moment and will need to be at their best to defend the Premier League title.

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#2 Leicester City's promising streak meets disappointing end

Leicester City were disappointing against Liverpool

Leicester City have been thoroughly impressive in the Premier League so far and announced themselves as top-four contenders with an astonishing 5-2 victory in September. The Foxes were on a six-game unbeaten streak before this game and had scored an impressive 15 goals in the process.

Liverpool did have the home advantage and were the favourites going into this fixture but the manner in which Leicester City conceded this Premier League game will not go down well with Brendan Rodgers. The Foxes were uninspiring at best and consistently looked to an isolated Jamie Vardy to provide a spark in the final third.

FT: Liverpool 3-0 Leicester 👏 pic.twitter.com/j19x65cJZf

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 22, 2020

Leicester City missed out on the top four last season after a string of disappointing performances and cannot afford to make the same mistake in this campaign. Brendan Rodgers' side currently has 18 points from nine games and may drop out of the top four by the end of the week. Leicester City have clearly defined goals for this season and will have to take it up a notch in the coming weeks.

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#1 Record-breaking Diogo Jota gives Liverpool distinct cutting edge

Diogo Jota has been brilliant for Liverpool

Liverpool have never had a problem with chance creation in the final third and have one of the most feared front-lines in the Premier League. Diogo Jota, however, seems to have taken Jurgen Klopp's formidable attack to another level.

With Mohamed Salah sidelined as a result of the coronavirus, questions have been raised regarding Liverpool's potency in the final third. Diogo Jota made a massive statement with his performance today, however, and became the first Liverpool player in history to score in his first four Premier League games at Anfield.

Diogo Jota - first Liverpool player to score in his first four Premier League games at AnfieldA special talent with a serious focus - as his messages about emulating Cristiano Ronaldo in this piece by @Simon_Hughes__, @jacklang and co make clearhttps://t.co/lGTYKJ4In2

— David Jordan (@_DavidJJordan) November 22, 2020

The Portuguese starlet took his goal brilliantly in the first half and was a constant threat down the flank for Liverpool. Jota also created a few chances for his teammates in the second half and was one of the best players on the pitch on the night.

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